S.M. Street, abbreviation for Sweetmeat Street, also known as Mittai Theruvu, is a shopping street located in Kozhikode.
The history of SM Street dates back to time of the Zamorin when the ruler invited Gujarati sweetmeat makers to set up shop in the city and accommodated their shops just outside the palace walls. With a history of more than 500 years, This street has been visited by several people including Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch. It was in this town the famous Portuguese Explorer Vasco Da Gama landed in 1498.
This is one of the most busiest streets and Shopping spots in Calicut. The area will be crowded always, especially in the evenings. There are many Famous Bakeries Situated in this street. Earlier this street was famous for Kozhikkodan Halwa or Sweet Meat (In English). Now a days, one can buy anything and everything including Kozhikkodan Halwa, banana Chips and variety of other sweets, garments, footwear, Bangles, Kitchen Utensils etc.
Mitthai Theru or S.M. Street : The heartbeat of Kozhikode : VIDEO
It is a melting pot of the city’s culture too, even as it remains its commercial hub. And it is difficult to imagine any other street that is as inseparably linked with the soul of a city.
While visiting this street, One should remember SK Pottekatt, The famous writer of Malayalam who loved this town, and written a lot about the place. Especially in his ‘Oru Theruvinte Kadha’ (The Story of a street). The street also retains other small temples which are located along the street.
Being the most popular market, the place is crowded and thus the vehicles are not allowed inside the street. The transport can only drop you at the extremity of the street. Transport facilities are available in the form of auto-rickshaws, buses, and cabs, are easily available at affordable rates.
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station which is about 3 kms. From the railway station, head in the north from the railway station 4th platform road towards the old railway overbridge. When you reach the tea store and the milma booth, turn right onto the Big Bazaar, and take first left onto the KP Kesava Menon road. When you pass by the Asian Paints Colour Ideas Store – Safeway on the left, take the first right onto the Court road. You will pass by the Hazmil Cafeteria on the left, take a right at the Dreamland Fancy and Cosmetics, and you will the busy street on the left.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport which is about 27 km distant. From the airport, move in the west on the International Terminal road, and then turn right onto the Calicut Airport road. When you pass by the Indian Coffee House on the left, continue moving on the Kozhikode-Ferokh-Palakkad highway. When you pass by the HP Petrol Pump on the right, take the second exit at the Ramanattukara-Bypass circle onto the Edapally-Panvel highway.
When you pass by the K.P. Kandayisons on the left, take the ramp onto the Edapally-Panvel highway. When you pass the Petrol Pump on the right, turn left at the JE’S LAP onto the Palayam road, where you pass by Mele Palayam Juma Masjid on the right. The Palayam road turns right at John Noronha Son and becomes Oyitty road, and you cross the Voice of Kerala on the right. Turn right at the Disco Dresses, and you find the street on your right.
Best Time to Shop
The street is busy round the year, especially crowded during Vishu, Onam, Bakri-ID and Ramzan, when the street remains open till midnight. The best time to bag good deals are the weekends and other holidays.
S.M. Street has many more such tales to tell. That is one of the reasons why it will always remain the soul of this city.
Source – kozhikodeonline, neokerala, The Hindu.
