Kozhikodan halwa’s religious flavour

Halwa stalls along highway in Malappuram, Kozhikode districts are now pilgrims’ destinations

A halwa stall on the National Highway at Kuttippuram in Malappuram awaiting Sabarimala pilgrims at night.– Photo Sakeer Hussain

Kozhikodan halwa and banana chips are increasingly getting a different flavour these days, especially during the weeks of Sabarimala pilgrimage. These exclusive bakery items of Malabar enjoy the prominence of ‘prasadam’ offered in temples as they are heavily sought after by Sabarimala pilgrims from Karnataka.

Hundreds of halwa stalls have been set up along the highway in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, beckoning long-distance pilgrims returning from Sabarimala. Although Kozhikodan halwa and banana chips have been favourites for people across the States, Sabarimala pilgrim seasons in recent years witnessed a spurt in the number of temporary stalls selling halwa and chips with religious fervour.

“Ayyappa devotees from Karnataka are buying halwa and chips like prasadam. They distribute them among their neighbours and friends, who consume them with a religious zeal,” said K. Manoj, who runs Sree Ayyappa Calicut Halwa Stall at Palachiramad near Edarikode.

A variety of halwa, chips and dates are being sold at all stalls. The price of halwa ranges from Rs.80 to Rs. 180 a kilogram. But the bargaining habit of pilgrims from villages of Karnataka has been making the vendors say higher prices. “If we say the actual cost, they will insist on getting it for half the price. It places us in a difficult situation. We don’t want to fleece the pilgrims at all,” said M.V. Mohammed Rafi, a vendor.

Halwa stalls, whether they are run by Hindus or Muslims or Christians, increasingly sport religious names to attract the pilgrims. Some stalls have erected huge boards with the pictures of Ayyappa.

Some vendors like Mariyamman Halwa Stall at Idimuzhikkal have made elaborate arrangements, offering facilities like air-conditioned restrooms for vehicle drivers and washroom for the pilgrims.

A pilgrim buys about five kg of halwa on an average. “I have been buying from the Ramanattukara stall for the last three years. My neighbours and family love the halwa. And we carry it home with piety,” said Shiva Prasad, a Guruswami from Mandya, Karnataka.