Avanur
Grama Panchayat

 According to the 2011 Census, the total population of the Grama Panchayat is **22,482**, of which **11,450 are women** and **11,032 are men**. A total of **2,621 people belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category**, while **60 people belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category**. The overall literacy rate of Avanur Grama Panchayat is **96.5%**. Avanur Grama Panchayat has attracted national attention due to the presence and functioning of **Government Medical College, Thrissur**. The **Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS)** is also located within the Panchayat. Avanur is a **midland region**. In the early days, paddy cultivation was the predominant agricultural activity. At present, **pepper, coconut, banana, arecanut, paddy and various other vegetables** are cultivated in the Panchayat. There are **14 ponds and 29 public wells** serving as water sources in the Panchayat. In addition, **242 public drinking-water taps** have been installed for the supply of potable water. **Kochi** is the nearest major port. The nearest railway station is at **Mulankunnathukavu**. For international travel, residents of the Panchayat mainly depend on **Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, and Kozhikode International Airport**. In the public distribution sector, **8 ration shops** are functioning within the Panchayat. In addition, there is **one Maveli Store and two Neethi Stores**. Although there are differences in the customs and religious practices of the various communities residing in the Panchayat, Avanur has a rich cultural background in which people live together beyond these differences, like different flowers strung together on a single thread. The various places of worship existing in the Panchayat reflect the ancient cultural heritage of the region. The cultural heritage of Avanur is closely intertwined with the history of its places of worship, which are rooted in the customs and traditions of its people. The major temples in the Panchayat include **Velappaya Siva Temple, Choolissery Mahavishnu Temple, Choolissery Siva Temple, Varadiyam Ayyappankavu, Varadiyam Subrahmanya Swami Temple, Avanur Sreekanteswaram Temple, Avanur Sri Mahavishnu Temple, and Edakkulam Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple**. The major Christian places of worship include **Velappaya Church, Kolangattukara Church, Varadiyam Church, St. Antony’s Church, Thangaloor, and St. Mary’s Church, Thangaloor**. The major festivals celebrated here include **Thaipooyam, Pooram and Theyyam**. A **Family Health Centre** is functioning at Velappaya, while **Sub-Centres** are functioning at Choolissery and Avanur. A **Government Ayurveda Hospital** is functioning at Edakkulam. A **Homoeo Dispensary** and an **Ayurveda Hospital** are also functioning near the Health University. For animal healthcare, a **Government Veterinary Hospital** is functioning at Edakkulam. Avanur has a history of nearly **a century of modern education**. During the British period, schools were established in the Panchayat following the model of educational institutions started by missionaries. At present, the following educational institutions are functioning in the Panchayat: **Government U.P. School, Varadiyam; Shantha H.S.S., Avanur; A.N.M. U.P. School, Manithara; S.M.L.P. School, Choolissery; S.D.S.L.P. School, Velappaya; V.V.L.P. School, Edakkulam; and I.H.R.D., Varadiyam**. The major libraries and reading rooms in Avanur include **Velappaya Grameena Vayanashala, Prathibha Arts and Sports Club, Recreation Club Choolissery, Kolangattukara Vayanashala, and Varadiyam Vayanashala**. A **Community Hall** owned by the Panchayat is functioning at Manithara. The **Assistant Engineer’s Office, V.E.O. Office, I.C.D.S. Office, M.G.N.R.E.G.S. Office, and Kudumbashree Office** are functioning in the Panchayat building, while the **Krishi Bhavan** is located at Manithara. Post offices under the Central Government are functioning at **Medical College, Edakkulam, Varadiyam and Choolissery**. Village Offices are functioning at **Choolissery, Varadiyam (Avanur–Velappaya Group Village), and Mundur (Thangaloor–Anjoor Group Village)**. The **Kerala Water Authority Office** is located in Thrissur. Avanur Grama Panchayat falls under the jurisdiction of **Medical College Police Station** and **Peramangalam Police Station**.