Nemmara - History

History

Prior to independence, this area was part of the Kochi kingdom.

The village was originally surrounded by paddy fields. However, nowadays they are slowly being converted to residential areas.

== Famous festival in Nemmara == https://www.facebook.com/groups/nellikulangara/

Nemmara is well known for its 'Vela' festival, known as Nemmara-Vallangi Vela. Equalling the famous 'Trissur Pooram', it is celebrated in the villages of the Palakkad district in summer after the rice is harvested. Rice is a common grain crop in the area. But there are other possible reasons for celebrating Vela at this time, among them the birthday of the temple deity or the killing of a demon by the goddess.

The festival attracts people from the immediate area as well as the neighbouring districts of Trissur, Malappuram and Tamil Nadu, in addition to foreign tourists. TV channels broadcast the festival live.

The Vela falls on the 20th day of 'Meenam', the month in the Malayalam calendar, which falls on the second or third of April. The two competing groups, Nemmara and Vallangi, have their own temples plus a common temple, Nellikkulangara, wherey congregate for this festival. Starting ten days prior to the actual holiday of Vela, the festivities begin with the hoisting of flags in the separate temples. Natives are not supposed to leave the village once the flag hoisting is done. Throughout the ten days, there will be some ritual at night.

Nemmara starts its Vela from the Mannattu Muthi temple and Vallangi from the Siva temple. Each group has between 11 and 15 elephants, which are adorned and paraded through the main thoroughfare accompanied by drums and other percussion instruments. Selecting the elephants is a prestigious issue for the organisers. They compete to get the best elephants of Kerala, paying exorbitant sums. In the evening, these groups reach the Nellikulangara temple. There is a vast area of empty fields, providing enough space to accommodate a large crowd. Many people come, as the Vela is a good occasion for family reunions.

Another attraction of the festival is the 'Aana Pandal', an arch-like structure where the caparisoned elephants remain for some time. This arch is decorated with coloured electric lamps, which give different patterns of light, when switched on. The switching on of the 'Pandal' on the previous day of the festival is a big event for the local people. Both groups keep the design and the illumination of the 'Pandal' a secret.

The finale of the festival is a display of fireworks. It is a magnificent show, as both sides strive to outdo each other. New techniques are tried every year to bring out the best performance. The quality and quantity of the fireworks are discussed by the people for many days after the event and is said to match those seen at the Trichur Pooram festival.

Apart from this great event there are many local festivals celebrated graciously by the people in this area."AYYAPPAN VILAK MAHOTSAVAM" is celebrated graciously by Nemmarites especially in villages like ARIYAKODE and THALAVATTAMPARA

These festivals and celebrations unifies the people of Nemmara which is considered to be a peaceful and harmoniuos city.