SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
As in any other part of the State, the social and economic status of the people in the district is undergoing changes. The breaking up of the joint family system and the increasing partition of old tharavads have led to the disappearance of the importance of high-caste Hindus in the society. A survey of the social and economic scene shows that the values based on caste and land have been replaced in recent times by those of education, employment, trade, commerce and industry.
Religion and custom
Hinduism is the predominant religion in the district. Nearly 76 percent of the population belongs to the Hindu community. All the subcastes of Hindu community are well represented in the district. The Vellodis and Nedungadis, two sections of the Nair community, peculiar to Malabar area, are represented in this district also. Sections of the Hindu community, peculiar to this district are Muthuvan, Mannadiar, Guptan and Tharakan.
Vishnu and Siva are popularly worshipped. Kshethrams and Ambalams are dedicated to these major deities. The Kavus and Kovils are dedicated to deities like Ayyappan, Subrahmonyan, Bhadrakali, Hanuman and even malignant demons. Snake worship has been widely prevalent in these part. The worship of ancestors is also practised by Hindus. Offerings are made to departed souls on new moon Sankranthi days.
The Muslim is the second largest community . A particular section of the Muslim community whose mother tongue is Tamil, are known as Ravuthars. These people came here as traders and soldiers. They belong to the Hanafi sect of Islam. Most of them reside in Alathur, Chittur, and Palakkad taluks.The way of life of this particular section is much influenced by the Tamil culture, especially in marriage customs and food habits.
There is another sect of Muslims known as Pattanis. They are also called Decanese. They came from Decan with the Mysore rulers and settled here. Traditionally, they are well-trained horsemen. Their influence in Palakkad can be seen from the fact that a street is named after them as Pattani street. They also belong to ‘Hanafi’ sect of Muslims. The rest of the Muslim community is known as Moppilas.
The ceremonies connected with, birth, marriage and death differ from one community to another. The restrictions based on caste and religion are obeservd generally by all communities Irular, Kurumbar, Mudugar, Eravalas, Malamalasar, Malasar, Kadar, Malayar, etc. are the tribals living in these forests. Attappady is an important centre of tribal people. The beliefs, customs and ways of life of these tribal people are distinct; each class having its own traditional customs and ways of life.
Content Courtesy: Department of Information & Public Relation