THRISSUR: With the arrival of Onam, the soil of Thrissur and its rich cultural heritage take on a special glow. Standing proudly among the traditional offerings, Chengalikodan nendran adds a distinctive charm to the festive season.
When ripe, the fruit develops a golden colour and a honey-like sweetness. Its attractive bunches and distinctive taste have made Chengalikodan a favourite among bananas offered during Onam.
The history of Chengalikodan is closely linked to the old Chengazhi Nadu region, of Thrissur, which is widely believed to have given the nendran its name. Farmers have cultivated the distinctive variety for generations in northern Thrissur, particularly in the Erumapetty-Kariyannur region.
The fruit is rounded and has relatively fewer ridges. As they ripen, reddish-brown markings appear on the peel along with the golden colour. These are among the main identifying features of Chengalikodan.
A well-maintained bunch may have five to eight hands and 60 to 85 fruits. A bunch generally weighs between 12 and 25 kg. Its sugar content of 26-30% gives Chengalikodan its characteristic sweetness, says Ouseph, who cultivates the variety.
The golden hue is the result of careful attention by farmers. After the bunch emerges, it is traditionally covered with dried banana leaves at the appropriate stage.
Proper care and management help the fruits develop their characteristic colour and shape. Such cultivation practices, passed down through generations, also distinguish Chengalikodan from ordinary nendran varieties.
The Uthradam offering
Chengalikodan’s importance extends beyond taste. The banana has a deep connection with Onam traditions and is among the important varieties offered at temples during the festive season. It holds a special place among the offerings at Guruvayur temple on Uthradam, on the eve of Thiruvonam.
As Uthradam approaches, traders and devotees seek the best bunches from farmers, driving up demand.
Chengalikodan also has had a long association with other temples. Historical references mention nendran bunches from this region being taken to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with the murajapam ritual, held once every 12 years. Today, Guruvayur remains one of the main centres of this tradition.
GI tag & farm heritage
The Chengalikodan received Geographical Indication (GI) status in recognition of its distinctive qualities and its association with the region. The application was filed on March 28, 2014, and the registration certificate was issued on March 25, 2015.
The Chengalikodan Banana Growers Association is the registered proprietor. The GI recognition makes Chengalikodan more than a banana variety. It is an agricultural identity closely associated with the soil, farming traditions and cultural heritage of Thrissur.
Demand for Chengalikodan rises as Onam approaches. Well-formed bunches selected for temple offerings command particular demand. Their size, colour, appearance and fruit quality determine their value. At times, the overall appearance of a bunch matters more than the price.
Pride of a region
Chengalikodan is about more than taste, colour and appearance. It represents an agricultural culture that combines the history of a region, the labour of farmers, temple traditions, Onam customs and farming practices passed down through generations.
