A first time visitor to Payyalur may be forgiven for describing this beautiful area in Kollengode, almost at the foot Themmala hills, as a sort of place where ‘time stands still’.
He would be very inaccurate. Because, in Payyalur in a small square dominated by its Nattumaram, a grand banyan tree, important events have taken place at regular intervals.
Let’s talk about the library. This small yet important institution was founded by the noted social reformer Tyagaraja Iyer as an initiative to open doors to learning and new opportunities to the members of the Harijan community in the region.
The Koothumadam too has so many remarkable associations, be it with the visit of the legendary freedom fighter and craft activist Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, or the great Tholpavakoothu Master (Late) Krishnankutti Pulavar.
This little square is also a hive of Ball Badminton passion at a time when the game has retreated in most parts of the state given the onslaught of Cricket and Football.
Listen to a series of proud Payyalureans talk about the story of their Nattumaram, and the great events that take place here!
- Near NSS College
- Sreejith P, Aparna Ramesh, Sreedevi Bindu Olappamanna
