No election flex boards, No posters; Pariyaram's unwavering 40-year-old tradition

NEDUMANGAD: Flex boards and posters are other-worldly things, mostly a rare sight in the small village of Pariyaram in the Attingal constituency. These are times when flex boards are crammed in every nook of cities in Kerala, and also the resulting altercation over tearing posters gains media attention, Pariyaram is far away from this election-related furore and is continuing a plain sailing life without any dramatics. There are a total of 4000 voters in the village and it is a surety that all of them will cast their vote on the date of elections.

Pariyaram Ward of Nedumangad Municipal Corporation is a favourable terrain for both the left and BJP. However, for years, the people here have been more aligned with the left politics, which still remains resolute. Since 1980, the ward has been represented by S. Ravindran and O. Lalithambika from the left.

In earlier times, much like other villages in Kerala, Pariyaram too enjoyed the fervour of elections in grandeur. Upending all such customs was a murder that took place nearly 40 years ago. In an altercation between two factions, CPM worker Surendran was brutally killed. Since then, Pariyaram has never been the same again. The candidate tour is allowed, and receptions may follow. But as soon as the event comes to a halt, the stage and all settings will be removed in haste. No flex boards and posters are allowed to stand on the premises.

Even in 2024, Pariyaram is devoid of any clamour associated with elections, and this shows how the youth in the place have successfully imbued the village tradition.

Sree Narayana Guru’s enlightening words 'Be organized, be strong, be enlightened with knowledge' are a common sight in this village. Gurudevan temples function here with lamps being lit every day without fail.