Womens College Al Irshad Islamic College for Girls Jamshul Buhariya Faizhur Rahman Arabic Madharsha & Womens College Al madrasathul Riffayia Tharihatul Ilashiya Naasirul Millat Girls Madarasa - Asura East Street Al Madrasathul Majithilla Al Baakiyathus salihath Nasheehathul Islam Noorul Islam Women Islamic College Irfanul Huda Trust for Education & Charity Mosques There are more than 100 mosques in the neighborhood, many containing cemeteries. Major mosques are located at the ends of streets. The majority of mosques are 'Waqf' registered and are administrated by local residents, usually residents of the particular Mohalla. Culture Islam and Hindu celebrations and ceremonies are common in the neighborhood. Business In the neighborhood's early years, its economy was based on handloom trading. Handloom products were exported to various countries such as Sri Lanka and Burma. This trade has been discontinued. In its place, the Beedi industry became a significant part of the economy. Most women in the area are employed by Beedi Rolling works. Many of the beedi manufacturers in South India laid their production units in and around Melapalayam. Recently, more local men have been working abroad in other Indian states. Transport Due to the closed layout of the neighborhood, roads cannot be extended to accommodate buses. Buses going towards Melacheval, Pathamadai, Cheranmahadevi, and Ambasamudhiram pass through the area. There is no bus facility available within the area. Auto sharing used to be used for local transport. However, due to the rash driving of the auto drivers, the business was closed and people are now using taxis for local transportation. There are currently bus services from Melapalayam to Tirunelveli Town and limited bus services to Palayamkottai, a main education center of Tirunelveli district and Taluk headquarters of Melapalayam. Due to this, students from Melapalayam struggle to take buses in rush hours. Marriage The area has its own marriage traditions. Residents would often marry within the city and marriages would generally be held at the local mosque. Before marriage, participants must obtain an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from a mosque or jamath. The marriage feast is also famous for the unique "Thaalcha", known locally as "Kathirikkaanam" (main ingredient is Brinjal) made with Ghee rice and Biriyani. Food culture Melapalayam is famous for non-vegetarian food. Special food caterers are available in the city. The food and beverages culture here resembles those of Muslim communities in Kerala and Kayalpattinam. Typical foods include Oottu Mavu, Thakkadi, Medical Rice and