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  Sherthallai or Cherthala as is the official name is fast emerging as a prominent township of significance. Cherthala , in Alleppey district is a coastal area dotted with several small ponds called "kulam" and several inland canals which had significance in the days of yore as waterways. Most homesteads have several coconut trees which is the financial backbone of this community. The "kulams" are used for retting( soaking coconut husks to soften them). In the rural areas most of the women folk are engaged in the coir industry ( rope making, mat weaving). Much of the tediousness of the labour is now reduced due to mechanisation in all the steps of mat making.There are several important coir exporting businesses in Cherthala. Sherthallai has a long coastline and much of the folks in the coastal areas are involved in the fishing trade, using mostly country crafts, though a few modern fishing boats are emerging in the scene.Related to the fishing industry are several seafood storage and exporting firms that dot the outskirts of Sherthallai Sherthallai with the advent of the rail line and various industries can no longer be called a rural area, though there are several areas where even basic ameneties like drinking water are lacking. The Vembanad lake- the largest freshwater body in Kerala- is closeby. The Thannerrmukkom bund- a barrage that prevents sea water filling the lowlying paddy fields- is at one end of Sherthallai.Because of it's scenic beauty a number of prominent hotels have set shop here. The picturesque Kumarakom islands are across the Vemband lake. Sherthallai is a peaceful community with people of all faiths living in peace and harmony. The Arthunkal Church(an ancient Roman Catholic Church) and the Cherthala Karthiyani Temple draw thousands of pilgrims each year. "ANNAM"- The Crest
of the Rotary club of Sherthallai- ANNAM is the
abbreviation of "Arayanam"- Malayalam for Swan. Acccording to mythology,
"Arayanams" are believed to have come to earth from heaven, along with the Devas
to witness the Kurukshetra War between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Several tem |
ples in and around Sherthallai have the unique distinction of celebrating
festivals commemorating the historic Kurukshetra war. During these festivals, the War is
enacted in a spectacular manner and chariots with the epitome of "Annams" are
pulled by the worshippers around the temple amidst deafening drumbeats and cries of joy.
These chariots vary in height from 30ft to 50 ft, and this very rare, ancient
"Rathams" are seen only in Sherthallai Taluk. This divine crest, we thought,
would be fitting emblem for our club.