The growing town of Kondotty near the Kozhikode airport, is famous for the Nercha in the Pazhayangadi mosque. Kondotty is the birthplace of the great Mappila poet, Moyinkutty Vaidyar. He popularised Mappilapattu (Mappila songs) by his poems on non-religious and romantic themes. A memorial for this poet has also been built in Kondotty.
The history of Kondotty is connected with that of the 18th century Kondotty Thangals, the Sufi exponents. Tipu Sultan of Mysore brought the first Thangal Muhammad Shah, to bring the Mappilas on his side. The Thangal first resided at Areekode and later settled in Kondotty. When the British arrived, putting an end to the reign of Tipu Sultan, the Thangal switched sides and joined the British. Hence, during the 1921 upsurge, the Mappila mob attacked the house of the seventh Thangal, Nasiruddin Shah.
Kondotty Nercha is held every year at Pazhayangadi mosque, which contains the tomb of the first Thangal, Muhammad Shah. Thousands of devotees attend the Nercha, which consists of certain religious processions. Orthodox Muslims in Kerala are against the Nercha at the tombs of dead persons. Fairs are also held during the Nercha.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti
18 km east of Manjeri, on the way to Malappuram.
The three day long Valia Nercha feast at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February /March, is a local cultural event.
Nediyiruppu
Nediyiruppu is a place 2 km from Kondotty. It is from where the Zamorin kingdom was expanded. During the ancient times, Zamorins were known as Neiyiruppu Swaroopams. There is a developing city named Pulikkal near Kondotty. Famous singer and chairman of Kerala folklore academy V M kutty residing here.
