Hinduism is the predominant religion
in the district. Nearly 76 percent of the population belongs to the
Hindu community. All the sub castes of Hindu community are well
represented in the district. The Vellodis and Nedungadis, two sections
of the Nair community, peculiar to Malabar area, are represenmted 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, Subramonyan, Bhadrakali, Hanuman and even
malignant demons. Snake worship has been widely prevalent in these part.
The worship of ancestors is also practiced by Hindus. Offerings are made
to departed souls on moon Sankranthi days.
The Muslim community is the second
largest, forming 21.2 percent of the population. 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 Hanaf sect of Islam. Most of them reside in Alathur, Chittur, and
Palakkad taluks. The way of life this particular section is much
influenced Ţy the Tamil culture, especially in marrioage customs and
food habits.
There is another sect of Muslims
known as Pattanis. They are also called Decanese. Rthey 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 numerical strength of the
Christian community in the district according to 1971 census is 45,426.
Almost all sections of the Christian community are represented. A good
number of Christians have moved to the hilly tracts of the district in
search of land and a living.
The ceremonies connected with,
birth, marriage and death differ from one community to another. The
restrictions based on caste and religions are observed generally by all
communities.
The forest region of Palakkad
district is notable for its tribal population. Irular, Kurumber,
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.
