History of Grama Panchayat
Poomangalam was once a constituency in the old Cochin Legislative Assembly. In earlier times, this village was a major settlement of potters who marketed clay pots through the Kodungallur port. The floral carvings on the clay pots produced here were exceptionally beautiful, and it is believed that the name “Poomangalam” evolved from “Poomankalam” over time. Among the 108 Durga temples, the Elambalakkattu Temple, dedicated to Vellithattazhakkoth Bhagavathy, the famous Payammal Temple known as the only Shatrughna temple in India, and Kalparambu Church built in the architectural style of ancient Hindu temples, all reflect the rich historical heritage of the village.
As the people who were once solely dependent on agriculture gradually moved to other fields, many traditional cultural practices and customs began to disappear. However, a few individuals in the panchayat still preserve and perform these traditional art forms in their original style. Since ancient times, most of the agricultural land here consisted of paddy fields, with large portions owned by a few landlord families. The social reform movements and the freedom struggle that spread across Kerala also created awareness and transformation in this village. The desire for education and liberation became a collective sentiment, and until the 1950s, agricultural labourers and tenants organized protests against the feudal landlord system that prevailed throughout Kerala.
Kalparambu Church took the first step in the field of education by establishing a primary school in the early 20th century. In 1909, the school was handed over to the government and became known as J.B.S Vadakkumkara. Today, it is known as G.U.P School Kalparambu, the first school in the panchayat and also its only government school. Later, several other schools such as St. Mary’s L.P School Edakkulam, S.K.V.L.P School, S.N.G.S.S U.P School, and A.M.L.P School Arippalam were established, improving access to primary education. In 1942, Kalparambu Church established B.V.M U.P School, which was upgraded to a high school in 1947, providing local students with opportunities for secondary education. The first SSLC batch in 1950 achieved a 100% pass result. After the formation of Poomangalam Panchayat in 1977, additional unaided schools including Vidyajyothi English Medium U.P School and Holy Cross Convent L.P School were also established.
Major places of worship in Poomangalam include Payammal Temple, Elambalakkattu Temple, Pathiyamkulangara Temple, Kalparambu Church, St. Antony’s Church at Aikkarakunnu, and Sacred Heart Church (Seminary) at Arippalam. Shrines once built by communities denied entry into temples have today transformed into family temples. Folk art forms such as Thuyilunarthupattu, Udukku Pattu, Nanthooni Pattu, Aivarkali, Kolkkali, Kuthirakali, and Darikankali were once widely popular here. Rural libraries and reading rooms also played an important role in the cultural growth of the panchayat, with Edakkulam Grameena Vayanashala and Jaihind Library at Arippalam being among the earliest reading centres. During the 1950s, several cultural organizations including Edakkulam Kalasamithi and Arippalam Kairali Theatres actively promoted social change through drama and artistic performances.