Koodaranhi
Grama Panchayat

The settlement in Koodaranhi began on September 24, 1946. Before that, tribals had lived in places like Panakkachal hilltops. The history of Koodaranhi's settlement is an inspiring story about a people who were adventurous, determined, and self-sacrificing. According to the elders, the name Koodaranhi came from the waterlogged area where the river joins Iruvannipuzha. Records show that around 125 families lived in the Koodaranhi area in 1948. In the early years of the settlement, farmers lived in tree-based huts, struggled with the hilly terrain and wild animals, and continued their fight for survival. Initially, the farmers were assisted by laborers from Mukkom, Kundamangalam, and Areacode areas. In the early 1960s, a number of agricultural laborers from different parts of Malappuram district came and contributed to Koodaranhi's agricultural progress. Workers also started coming from Palakkad areas like Chittur. The first public establishment is the church of V. Sebastian in Koodaranhi, built collectively by migrant farmers in 1948. Koodaranhi High School started in 1962, and in 1968 the Koodaranhi Service Society was upgraded to a service cooperative bank. Electricity came to the village between 1970-72. Bus services started first in Koombara and later in Koodaranhi in the panchayat. Natural disasters like landslides and strong winds have occasionally caused damage to people and crops. The Thamburan Kolli landslide and the 1991 Perumpula landslide, which claimed four lives, and the 1988 Srampi landslide, which claimed one life, are unforgettable wounds in the history of the panchayat. This area, which was previously forest land, was cleared for farming rice and cassava. They also planted bitter gourd, chili, coconut, and plantain, among other crops. In some places, ginger cultivation also gained popularity after one or two harvests. Ramacham harvesting became very popular in the 1960s. By the late 1950s and 60s, the main source of income for farmers in the village came from paddy fields and pepper. The first school in Koodaranhi was St. Sebastian's Elementary School, established by settlers who had been living in the Koodaranhi area since 1946. The second school in Koodaranhi Panchayat was the government tribal school set up in 1961 at Koombara for the tribal community. Most of the tribals lived in the Kakkadampoyil area. A new government L.P. school was built in Kakkadampoyil for the local residents. After 1970, following government regulations, when government schools were allowed, each area of Poovaramthod and Manjakkadavu got its own government L.P. school. Whenever there was a change in government policy, schools started appearing in Koodaranhi in the private sector as well. In 1946, migrant farmers began settling in Koodaranhi Grama Panchayat, and electricity arrived for the first time in December 1971, after 25 years. The first connection was given to Koodaranhi St. Sebastian's Church. Among the people here, Christians are more in number compared to Muslims and Hindus. The feast of Saint Sebastian at Koodaranhi Church is famous. It is during this festival, held from January 16 to 20, that people of various castes and religions from the Malabar migrant areas come together the most. Additionally, the festival at Sree Porkkali Bhagavathi Temple, the Balagokulam procession, and the Ayyappan lamp event are held every year. Nabidinam is celebrated in a proper manner under the leadership of all Muslim mahals. In all festival events of different religious communities, there is mutual cooperation beyond caste and religion.