Nilambur Pattu and Kovilakam are the two things associated with Nilambur heritage. Every year Vettekaran Pattu is held for two weeks in the first weeks of January. Not much is known about the history behind the Nilambur Pattu, but the legends say that every year the tribal people, who used to live in and around the Nilambur forests, come to pay homage to the royal family of the Nilambur Kovilakam. In Kerala history, Nilambur Kovilakam played a vital role in Northern Kerala but, at present, the princely family is just another family. Nilambur Pattulsavam gives the residents the opportunity to cherish old memories of the Nilambur Kovilakam.

Now as a part of Nilambur Pattulsav, colourful stage and cultural programmes are organising by Nilambur Mucipality with the coordination of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES) and Nilambur Marchats Association from 2005 onwards. Peoples from every religion participate in these festivals as it became a festival of Nilambur. Nilambur is a municipality in northern Kerala, about 40 km inland from Malappuram. Most of the town's residents are engaged in merchant practices and the surrounding villages are occupied by farmers who grow rubber, rice, pepper and other spices. The town is close to the Chaliyar River, is famous for having the oldest teak plantation in the world and beautiful forests and wildlife. It is situated near the Western Ghats and within 100 km of the popular hill station, Ooty.

Today Nilambur Pattu has become more of a time of celebration, entertainment and fun. This year the Pattu was held in Aruvacode organized by Nilambur Municipality & Various Merchants Community. Originally Nilambur Valiya Kalam Pattu now turns to Festival of Nilambur called Pattulsav & Tourism Festival. Every year a number of stage programmes performed by Cine stars and Play back Singers.