**Athavanad ** is a village and Gram Panchayath in the Tirur Taluk, in the Malappuram District of the state of Kerala, India. The town lies on the National Highway 66, between Puthanathani and Valanchery. Puthanathani is the main town of the Athavanad village and the village office is located in Athavanad Para & Kurumbathoor. Nearby towns include Valanchery, Tavanur, Tirunavaya, Kuttippuram, Irimbiliyam, and Edayur.

Etymology

In Malayalam, "Athavanad" is an abbreviation of " A zhvanchery Tha mbrakkal Va zhunna Nadu ". The region was under the rule of the Azhvanchery Thamprakkal feudal lords in ancient times. Azhvanchery Thamprakkal were usually present at the Ariyittu Vazhchaof a new Zamorin of Calicut. The original headquarters of Palakkad Rajas were also at Athavanad.

Industries

Athavanad has some industries. Athavanad is home to several public enterprises in the textile industry.

Demographics

As of the 2011 Census of India, Athavanad had a population of 18,283. 8,612 (47%) are men, and around 9671(53%) are women. The population density is approximately 1,524 people per square kilometer. Children under the age of six make up 14% of Athavanad's population. Malayalam is the most spoken language.

Culture

Religion

Athavanad is predominantly Hindu and Muslim; Duff Muttu, Kolkali, and Aravanamuttu are local traditions.

Events

The Kerala Cattle Race (known as Kalappoottu and Maramadi) is a traditional event. It was banned in 2014 by a court ruling, as it was deemed to violate a 1960 law pertaining to preventing animal cruelty.

Attractions

Education

Athavanad is a major educational hub. It has several educational institutions ranging from primary to post-secondary. It also has several libraries and a literacy rate of over 90%. The majority of books are written Malayalam, English, and Sanskrit. Some are written in Arabi-Malayalam, a version of the Malayalam language written in the Arabic script.

Educational institutions

Transportation

Road

Air

Rail

Bus

Valanchery Bus Station]]

Notable people