Mogral Marks Centenary of ‘Pakshippattu’ with Cultural Grandeur
Mogral | Kasaragod
Mogral village in Kasaragod district commemorated the 100th anniversary of ‘Pakshippattu’, a traditional Mappila song form, with a series of vibrant cultural programmes held on Saturday. The celebrations highlighted the rich folk heritage of the Malabar region and paid tribute to the literary legacy of Mappila poet Naduthoppil Abdulla, who authored Pakshippattu a century ago.
The centenary events were jointly organised by the Kerala State Department of Cultural Affairs, Mahakavi Moyinkutty Vaidyar Mappila Kala Academy (Kondotty), Ishal Gramma School of Mappila Arts, Mogral, and Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, Kasaragod.
As part of the observance, a half-day workshop on Pakshippattu was conducted in Kasaragod town, followed by cultural performances in Mogral village during the evening. The workshop was inaugurated by Kasaragod Municipal Chairperson Shahina Salim, while noted scholar Dr. P. P. Abdul Razak addressed the technical sessions.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Razak recalled that during the colonial period, British officials had documented Mappila songs while trying to understand the social and cultural life of the Mappila community. He noted that Pakshippattu evolved as a powerful medium to record everyday life in Malabar, covering themes ranging from fishing and migration to the Gulf countries to natural calamities such as the South Canara floods.
Presenting a research paper, Dr. Fathimath Rashila pointed out that Mogral had historically been a major centre of Pakshippattu traditions. She added that the songs also narrated stories connected to football, a sport for which Mogral continues to be well known.
The evening cultural programme was inaugurated by Uduma MLA C. H. Kunhambu, with Kumbla Grama Panchayat President Abdul Kader Haji presiding. The event featured traditional art forms including Oppana, Arabanamuttu, Vattapattu, and classic Mappila Pattu performances, drawing a large audience from across the region.
The centenary celebration reaffirmed Mogral’s enduring role in preserving and promoting Mappila folk literature and music for future generations.
