Balamangalam was first published in 1980.[1] The publisher was Mangalam Publications (India) Private Limited.[1] The fortnightly magazine featured, along with the comic strips, children's stories, rhymes and puzzles. Its target audience was children.[1] The headquarters of the magazine was in Kottayam.[1]
In October 2012, Mangalam Publications, the owners of Balamangalam, announced that they would cease publication due to poor sales. Following an outcry on social media, the publishers stated that "the closure is just temporary and Balamangalam may return soon."[2][3] However, the magazine remained closed.
Along with comic strips, the magazine featured children's stories, rhymes, puzzles and crosswords,[12][13][14][15] including the fictional characters Dinga,[16][17] Shaktimaddu, Kaadina Kitta, Keraga, Pingala, Karingaada, Tuttu, Chenchu, Tiko, Chomu, Thangu Maama, Onti Salaga, and Chippu Delu.[18]
Harsha, a 15-year-old boy's first short story, "Mola Matthu Nari" (meaning: Rabbit and Fox) was published in the magazine.[19]
^Express News Service (21 March 2016). "'Dinkoists' Gather Under a Troll Tree". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2016. ...threatening calls and opposition from staunch religious followers... the social media religion, 'Dinkoists' here on Sunday. ... no official registration ... attention entirely through Facebook....
