Kunchan Smarakam

The master poet Kunchan Nambiar who created the classical art form Thullal was born in a small village called Lakkidi, situated about 30 kms from Palakkad. Kunchan Nambiar lived in the 18th century and is believed to have been a mizhavu (percussion instrument) player before creating the art form. The story behind the origin of Thullal goes like this: once while playing mizhavu for a performance of the dance-drama Chakyarkoothu, Nambiar fell asleep and was ridiculed in front of the audience. The next day he came on stage to present a classical art that was an amalgamation of song, dance and drama. The innovative performance along with the strange costume immediately impressed the audience and thus Thullal came into existence.

The performance which adopted a satirical perspective on social injustices that prevailed in the period gave Nambiar the liberty to subtly criticize the ruling class. The poet's house in Killi Kurissimangalam at Lakkidi is preserved and maintained as a monument by the state government, and attracts a lot of visitors. Kunchan Dinam, which falls on the fifth day of May, is celebrated to perpetuate his memory. Navarathri (nine nights) is another important festival grandly celebrated here in October as a musical tribute to his original genius.