- Champakara
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Champakara — town — Coordinates 9°32′0″N 76°38′0″E / 9.533333°N 76.633333°ECoordinates: 9°32′0″N 76°38′0″E / 9.533333°N 76.633333°E Country India State Kerala District(s) Kottayam Time zone IST (UTC+05:30) Codes-
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Champakara is a village in Kottayam District, 18 kilometres (11 mi) away from Kottayam in India. The State highway from Kottayam to Punaloor passes through the town. The name is derived from the Malayalam word Sampal kara or Sampath kara, which means the land of prosperity.The village of Karukachal lies within the town.
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Culture
Champakara is the land of Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala. The town is home to kalari and ayurvedic centers.
The people of Champakara are dedicated to worshiping nature, and the forest preserve of Sarpa Kavu is nearby. Sarppakkav is the temple of sarppams (snakes).
Hindus, Christians and a small number of Muslims live peacefully in the village. The majority of the residents are Hindus.
Arts and music
People in the area show a keen interest in the protection of Indian culture, its arts, and its music. Many people send their children to dance or music teachers.
Economy
In ancient times people were focused on agricultural activities. Now rubber is the main crop grown. The Champakara bus service, a match factory, the Sreerangom hospital, Metal and wood industries and a pepper factory are the main industries providing employment.
Sports
The youths pursue a local called Nadan Panthukali, which they play at the grounds of the Champakara Devi temple. Dittania Arts and Sports Club provides activities.
Politics
Politically, it is an LDF and United Democratic Front dominated society. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is also very strong here. Champakara falls under the jurisdiction of the Karukachal gram panchayat, which is presently ruled by the LDF, headed by Sulochana madhu as the president. The Nair Service Society and SNDP are very strong here.
Temples
Champakara is a land of communal harmony, with the Devi temple Champakara, Devi temple Nethalloor, and the Champakara St Joseph Catholic Church the main places of worship. Thrikkarthika, Meenabharani, Sreekrishnajayanthi, and Navarathri are the main religious occasions.
In Devi temples, during the Thrikkarthika and Meenabharani festivals, the Seva and Anpolivazhipadu is very famous all over the country, because it contains huge number of Para (a vessel used for measurement of paddy) arranged in rows and is the main attraction for pilgrims. The Nethalloor Devi temple holds a festival of lights (deepam) during hrikkarthika. On the day of Kumbhabharani in Champakara temple, pindivillaku made out of plantain are lit in the evening.
Cultural center
Ekathmatha Kendrom is the main cultural center in Champakara. Many cultural activities take place at the facility, including classes for music and dance.
Schools
The Government L.P. School Thommachery, the Subhash Memorial U.P. School, the Sarada Vidya Mandirom, and the Rajahamsasramom Vidya Peedom are the major schools. Recently construction started on the Mahathma Gandhi University's BEd coaching center near Sreerangom Hospital.
Notable residents
- The late Shri. Gopinatha Kurup from Champakara was famous for Kalari treatments and martial arts.
- The late Shri. Kalanilayam Narayana Kaimal was famous for Kathakali music.
- Kadhakali artist Sri. Kalamandalom Vijayakumar recently received an award from Kendra Sangeetha Nadaka Ackademi
- Sri Sureshkumar Champakara M. Phil (vocalist), Sri Rajesh Champakara (violin), Sri Muraleedharan (Mukhar Shangu) are some of the famous people from the classical music field
- The former minister for transport, Prof. K. Narayana Kurup is from Champakara.
- Vazhoor M.L.A. Prof. N. Jayaraj is also from this village.
Categories:- Villages in Kottayam district
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