Malabar Spring: Communism and the religion factor

Kerala is still quite far away from being a post-religious society, despite the communal harmony

This weekend my travels took me north of Calicut to the city of Kannur (once spelt as Cannanore). A comfortable 70-minute train ride away, the town had an even more relaxed feel than Calicut. Estimates put its population at just 77,000. The town is known for its Theyam temple festivals, absolutely virgin coastline, defence establishments and unfortunat…