Nila Malabar’s heartbeat, sets the pace

Nila, or the Bharathapuzha, is a river with a soul. It winds its way from the Anaimalai hills, touching Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram, before merging with the Arabian Sea. This journey has profoundly shaped the culture of Kerala’s South Malabar region. M.T. Vasudevan Nair, the legendary writer, had a special bond with Nila. Growing up beside her, he drew inspiration from her serene beauty and vivid tales. Many of his stories echo the whispers of Nila, showcasing her profound influence on him.

Nila isn’t just a river; she’s a treasure trove of legends. From hosting the grand Mamankam festival every 12 years under the Zamorins’ reign to the sacred rituals at the Thirunavaya temple, she has silently observed Kerala’s evolving history and traditions. Artists, particularly writers, have always been enchanted by Nila. From the pioneering Thunchath Ezhuthachan to modern luminaries, her tales have flowed onto countless pages. The river’s magic didn’t stop at writing. Vallathol, a revered poet, was so smitten that he founded the Kerala Kalamandalam, a hub for performing arts, by her banks. Nila is not just water flowing over land. She’s the muse, the historian, and the heartbeat of South Malabar, immortalised in art, literature, and the very soul of Kerala.