Kanichar
Grama Panchayat

History of Kanichar Grama Panchayat

The scenic Kanichar Grama Panchayat is situated under the Peravoor Block in the Iritty Taluk of Kannur District. Spanning an area of 51.96 square kilometers, the Panchayat is bordered by Kelakam Panchayat and the Aralam Central State Farm to the north, and the Kannavam Reserve Forest and Wayanad district to the south. To the east, it shares its borders with Kelakam Panchayat and Wayanad district, while Kolayad, Peravoor, and Muzhakkunnu Panchayats lie to its west.

Origin of the Name

There is a popular legend behind the name of this place. It is believed that Goddess Sati, while on her way to Kottiyoor to attend the Daksha Yaga, sat down and wept out of grief because her husband, Lord Shiva, was not invited to the ritual. The tears she shed streamed down to form a small channel (chaal). Consequently, the area came to be known as 'Kanneerchal' (Stream of Tears), which eventually evolved over time into 'Kanichar'.

Geography and Evolution

Located in the Western Ghats mountain region, Kanichar is abundant with hills, rivers, and streams. Originally, the region was home to the settlements of the Kurichya and Paniya indigenous tribes.

The present-day territories of Kanichar, Kelakam, and Kottiyoor were initially parts of the Kappad Panchayat, which was formed in 1963. The first governing body took charge in 1964 under the leadership of Georgekutty Mukkadi. Later, in 1970, Kottiyoor Panchayat was carved out. In 1972, the Kappad Panchayat was bifurcated once again, leading to the creation of Kelakam and Kanichar as independent Panchayats. Prabhakaran Nair served as the first President of the Kanichar Panchayat.