Thekkepuram

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expert = Kerala
incomplete = August 2008
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Thekkepuram is a village located inside the Kozhikode metro area in the Indian state of Kerala. Its approximate boundaries are the Arabian Sea on the West, the Kallai river on the South, Vellayil on the North, and the Kozhikode metro area on the East.

The famous Kallai river flows through the south side of the village. An iron railway bridge constructed across the river by the British, is worth visiting. The large pool at Kuttichira attracts many visitors. Thekkepuram also houses some of the largest and oldest joint family houses called tharavadu. Many of these houses have more than 20 rooms and some of them are even equipped with swimming pools.

Two ancient mosques called Muchundi Mosque and the Kuttichira Juma Masjid are used as private places of worship. The Big Bazar, one of the oldest and biggest trading lanes in Malabar is located here. Thekkepuram beach and the Port Light House are easily accessible from this place.

History

Koyas of Thekkepuram are Hindu converts, it is believed. The conversion process was carried out during the reign of the Samuthiris with the Muslims and Hindus working hand in glove. Hospitality and guest entertaining were in their blood. Thekkepuram Muslims still preserve their tradition as a role model.

People

Most of the inhabitants in Thekkepuram are Muslims. There is a unique marriage and joint family system in this area: women continue living in their ancestral houses after marriage and their "puthiaplas" (husbands) move in. For every marriage in the family, a room is added to the house. The newly added room is called Maniyara (wedlock room). Some houses here have more than six added rooms to accommodate the multiple weddings.

They are known for their trading and have a near monopoly in the big bazaar of Calicut. More than 20% of the Thekkepuram population is working abroad (mainly in the Middle-East) and this brings foreign currency into the state.

Places of interest

There are many examples of mosque architecture along the Kuttichira "Kolam" (pond). Tagged the "Juma Masjid" series, these masjids depict the lifestyles of early inhabitants along the place and also the culture attached. The masterpieces of local sculptors can be found in the interiors of the "Tharavads" and mosques. Together with huge tharavads in the background, these houses create an arresting picture of Thekkepuram's culture. More than memories cast in bricks, they show the unity of the joint family and the community itself.

Culture and cuisine

Unlike other Muslim pockets in Kerala, here two Qazis (religious leaders) supervise the religious jurisdiction and ceremonies.

External links

* [http://www.thekkepuram.com The Official Thekkepuram website]
* [http://www.thekkepuramksa.8m.com The Thekkepuram Saudi chapter]
* [http://geocities.com/thekkepuramkuwait/index.html The Thekkepuram Kuwait chapter]
* [http://thekkepurambtc.8m.com/ The Thekkepuram Bangalore chapter]