The holy shrine of Beema Beevi, more popularly known as Beempalli, which is held sacred by Muslims as well as others, is situated about five kilometres southwest of the Trivandrum Central Railway Station, on the beach road leading to Poonthura via Valiyathura. Beemapalli is a shrine dedicated to the hallowed memory of Beema Beevi, a pious and devoted Muslim lady gifted with divine powers. It is one of the most distinguished mosques in Kerala, which draws large gatherings. Pilgrims of all ages from all communities can be seen heading towards the shrine all along the routes during this festival.
This is the first Juma Masjid in India and is situated in the Methala Village of Kodungalloor taluk, hardly 20 kilometre from Irinjalakuda railway station. According to the legend, Cheraman Perumal went on a pilgrimage to Arabia where he met Prophet Mohammed at Jeddah and embraced Islam and accepted the name Thajuddin.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 25 kms away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 45 kms away.
In the village of veliancode there is a Jaram (tomb) where the body of a great Tangal (priest) who had exceptionally divine qualities, lies buried. The 'Nercha Festival' is celebrated in memory of his death.
Years ago, one of the female dependants of Para Nambisan, a petty chieftain of Malappuram, was taken away by the local Muslims as a slave. Para Nambisan who could not bear this ignominy wanted to wreak vengeance upon the culprits. He therefore, sent for Marakkar, a leader of the local Muslims and the concussing death for so many on both sides. In memory of the devoted Muslim leaders who gave up their lives during the fight, a nercha is conducted every year, either in February or in March in the Mosque at Malappuram.
The Kanjiramattom mosque is believed to be built as a memorial to Sheikh Fariduddin. The festival of 'Kodikuthu' is held from January 13 to 14 every year. During the 'Chandanakkudam' ritual held at night, pilgrims carrying pots covered with sandalwood paste proceed in a procession to the mosque. Caparisoned elephants and folk performances accompany the procession. Traditional Muslim art forms like Duffmuttu and Kolkali are also staged during the festival.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 25 kms away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 45 kms away.
The event falls on Feb 5. It is held in the Pattambi Mosque on the main road of Pattambi town, Palakkad district.
Pattambi Nercha is a festival held in memory of Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal, a Muslim saint of Malabar. A grand procession of nearly 100 caparisoned tuskers, colourful floats, music concerts like the Panchavadyam and the Thayambaka and folk art forms form the highlights of the festival. The procession concludes late at night on the banks of River Bharathappuzha where the Panchavadyam rises to a crescendo and the art forms take on a spectacular magnificence.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Pattambi railway station is at a walkable distance from the mosque.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore, in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu about 55 km away from Palakkad.
Juma prayers are held in Ottappalam mosque on Fridays.To commemorate the death anniversary of a saintly person by name Uthman Auliya, an annual festival is held in January-February.The special feature of this festival is the grand procession which ceremoniously brings various things such as rice, coconuts etc. to the mosque as offerings.On the next day, a feast is held where the various articles received will be cooked and distributed to the poor.