Feasts
Parumala Perunnal
Parumala Perunnal festival is dedicated to the Christian community. Parumala Perunnal is celebrated in the Parumala Church in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala and this is a week long festivities celebrated here. Parumala Perunnal is an annual feast held to commemorate the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala. The body remains of the Bishop are interred in the church. On the Orma Perunnal day or the commemoration day, special prayers are offered at the church. The bishop is buried in the church during the auspicious the occasion. During the Orma Perunnal day or commemorative feast, special prayers are offered and rituals performed. The mortal remains of the Bishop are interred in the church. On the orma perunnal(commemoration day), special prayers are offered at the church. The festival day is marked by special services and a well-attended colourful procession. Devotees from all parts of the State swarm the precincts of the church to celebrate this great day.The festival day is celebrated by special services and a well-attended colorful marches. Followers of the saint from all parts of the state crowd on the grounds of the church to celebrate this great day.The bishop is interred in the church during the auspicious the occasion. During the Orma Perunnal day or memorial feast, special prayers are offered and rituals performed. Followers from all parts of the state attend the festival.As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds fill up with vendors and stalls,selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry.There are cultural performances every evening. Parumala Perunnal Kerala is one such festival which is a real crowd puller in the state.
Edathua Perunnal
Edathua Perunnal is one of the most famous festival of Kerala .In the annual feast of St George Church,named as, Edathua Perunnal Festival attracts a large number of believers from across the state to the scenic village of Edathua. Processions and cultural performances are held everyday including dazzling firework displays in the initial as well as concluding days. Devotees from all parts of the State throng the premises of the church during the feast. prayers and related ceremonies are done here during these days. Devotees from all parts of the state attend the festival. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church cover with large crowds with vendors and stalls, selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry. There are cultural performances every evening. Edathua Perunnal Festival of Kerala is one such festival which is a real crowd puller in the state. The event starts on April 27 with special prayers and the celebrations and concludes on May 7. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal mental disorders and other ailments. Fireworks, processions and special prayers mark the festival days. During the feast, the statue of St.George, decked in gold, is carried out and placed on the dais in the center of the basilica.
Puthupally Perunnal
This ancient church renowned all over the world as "PUTHUPPALLY PALLY" or "PUTHUPPALLY VALIYAPALLY" situated on the eastern bank of the rivulet Kodoorar and beside the Puthuppally-Changancherry road about a kilometer away from Puthuppally junction was rebuilt, expanded or renovated five times during the past four and half centuries of its existence.It was originally built as a "kochu pally" (Chapel) in the name of St.Mary in AD 1557 near Vazhakulam Hindu temple on a hillock which later came to be known as Kochupallikunnu. Eight decades later in AD 1640 it was shifted and rebuilt in the name of Mar Bahanan Sahada at Elamthuruthi Kunnu, the present location.A century and a decade afterwards in AD 1750 the church was rebuilt in the name of St.George, retaining the main portions of Mar Bahanan Church. This church rose to glory and fame as a centre of solace in the succeeding 250 years by the grace of God and the blessings of St.Mary, St.Bahanan and St.George. housands of devotees flock to the church premises to attend the mass. Vechoottu (a ceremonial feast), adya choroonu (a ritual in which children get their first rice feeding by priests) etc. are some of the rituals associated with the festival. Later, Raza, the grand festival procession will be taken out with the holy golden cross from the church to the nearby Puthuppally junction. Thousands of devotees take part in this procession. Holy crosses in wood, silver and gold, colourful ceremonial umbrellas and orchestral accompaniment make the procession an extravaganza of sight and sound. An impressive fireworks display marks the conclusion of the festival.
Manarcad Perunnal
Manarcad Perunnal is the occasion celebrating the annual feast at the St. Mary’s Church at Manarcad of Kerala state. This festival is generally held September among the Christian community of Kerala every year. Manarcad Perunnal is also known as Ettunombu Perunnal which exactly means eight day prayer and fasting. The annual feast at the St Mary’s Church at Manarcad in Kottayam is an eight-day event called ‘ettunombu perunnal’. This is the feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated by the Christian community of Kerala. The Christian people of Kerala hold themselves in prayer and fasting during this fiesta. Thousands of devotees visit the church during the feast days to offer prayer and observe fasting.The haven and fast begin on the month of September.One can also view processions with the sacred golden cross are taken out on the last three days of the feast. Devotees, come in large groups holding muthukkuda or decorated parasols, and participate in the feast processions. The premises of the church during the eight days will be filled with thousands of devotees from morning till night. The feast is locally known as ettu noyambu (ettuin local language Malayalam means eight and noyambu means fasting).The desire of forefathers for a holy place to pray and perform religious ceremonies for the Pilgrim Christians was the root cause of construction of the church. They fasted and prayed for this purpose. On the eighth day of their prayer, they all had a vision. Holy fathers compared Virgin Mary with The 'Sakshipettakam' which was created by Mossaih according to the order of God. The circumference of this 'Sakhshipettakam' was 8 muzhams (around 12 feet). The number connected with the salvation secrets of Virgin Mary and her son Jesus Christ was also considered to be 8). The vision was to build the church in the forest where a calf and cow were lying down, where the fish and deer could be caught and Acacia Instia and canes were scattered around. (Acasia Redhirama, the wood which used to fabricate the 'Sakshipettakam' and Acasia Instra which was the Holy Fathers dreamt of were of the same species.The stone inscriptions found at the church reveal that the church was built more than 1000 years ago. Archaeologists have found that these stone inscriptions were memorial stones set up at the tombs in 910 A.D. and 920 A.D. and the writing on them is in Malayalam and Tamil scripts prevalent 600 years ago. Afterwards, on several occasions, the church was rebuilt and renewed. In the 16th century, there was not a single church in the land which was not re-built in the Portuguese style. It is believed that the Manarcad church also was re-built at that time in the model of theKottayam Cheriya Pally. This church is under the faith of Jacobite Syrian Church.
Vettukadu Feast
People belonging to different religious faith coexist in peaceful harmony in the state of Kerala. Consequently a large number of festivals associated with different religions are celebrated in this state with equal joy and delight. The Vettukadu Perunal Festival in Kerala is the annual festival that is celebrated in the Madre De Teus Church which is popularly known as the Vettukadu Church.
The Madre De Teus Church or the Vettukadu Church is located at a distance of about 7 km from the capital of the state Thiruvananthapuram. The place gains a fresh lease of life when the Vettukadu Perunal Festival is celebrated. Stretching for a period of ten days, the festival is an occasion for the people to get involved in unrestrained mirth. The region would come alive every year to celebrate the annual 'feast of Christ the King' held in the church. This is a colourful event attended by thousands of devotees. Special prayers are held on all the festival days and a ceremonial procession carrying the statue of Christ the King is held on the main day. The most important feast celebrated in this church situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram is of Christ, the King. This feast is observed for ten days. The annual festival at the Madre-de-Deus church, Vettucaud will start on November 11 with a Holy Mass and the raising of the ceremonial flag.Prayer meetings and rituals will mark the 10-day festival. Tens of thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the Holy Mass on November 18 and the procession carrying the figure of Christ-the-King on November 19. The festival will draw to close on November 20 with a Mass.
Malayattoor Perunnal
The Malayattoor Church is one of the most important Christian pilgrim centres in the state, attracting devotees in large numbers not only from Kerala but from the neighbouring states. This famous church is situated at Kurisumudi, a verdant hill on the Western Ghats, girdled partially by the Periyar river. The Malayattoor Church and the Tiruvamcode Church in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu are considered the half church. But some believe that the Malayattoor Church is one of the major churches built by St. Thomas and they argue that the churches at Kokomanagalam and Paravur must be regarded as one. his is a well-known form of local festivals which is held around the time of the summer season because this festival is celebrated in April. Historical stories say that the place on which St. Thomas had landed on is the Kerala coast at Muziris, known as Kodungalloor port in 52 AD. Some believe that the Malayattoor Church is one of the major churches built by St. Thomas. Kurishumudi is where one can find the Golden Cross believed to have formed when St. Thomas bent down on his knees on a rock and signed a cross with his finger. He continued there praying for a long time, and eventually a golden cross appeared on the spot. Another curious sight at the mountain is the enduring footprint and the marks of knees believed to be that of St. Thomas imprinted on the rock. Every year as the month of April arrives the entire village gets ready to welcome the pilgrims. Pilgrims, in this festival chant the name of the Apostle, ‘Ponninkurisumala Muthappa’, and climb Kurisumudi, the steep hill to visit the holy shrine in this festival.
Palayur Church Festival
The Palayur Church in Thrissur district is one of the ancient churches of Kerala. This church was established by St. Thomas who is believed to have reached Kerala in 52 AD.Fourteen granite statues at the entrance display selected events from the apostle’s life. There are also various carvings on a wooden door, known as the Jubilee door, which are based on biblical events. The Thaliyakulam, a pond in the church premises, is believed to have healing powers. St. Thomas, the Apostle of Christ landed in AD 52 at Kodungalur, the first centuary west coast harbour of Kerala (Pliny’s Primum Emporium India) and went on to establish seven churches for the faithful he evangelised in Kerala. Only one of the seven churches could claim continuous existence in the same location from the time of the Apostle. The church at Palayur is unique in that the present church has a continuous history of two millennia and stands on the same spot where Apostle first established it. The first church founded by St. Thomas continued to exist for many centuries and we know that in 1607 the Italian Jesuit Fr. Permission from the ecclesiastical authorities, to construct a more convenient church around the existing old structure for the parish of Palayur. The Palayoor church is well connected by road, rail and air services network. Palayoor is at a distance of 28 kilometres (17 mi) from Thrissur on the State Highway. It is on Thrissur - Chavakad route, via Pavaratty. By train, it is on the Thrissur - Guruvayur broad gauge line - at a distance of 24 kilometres (15 mi). From Guruvayur, the Hindu temple town, the church is3 kilometres (1.9 mi) by road. Nedumbasserry International Airport is only 80 kilometres (50 mi).
Pattambi Nercha
A beautiful mosque located at a distance of 61 km from Palakkad, Pattambi Nercha is known for its annual feast held in the month of February. The feast is held in order to commemorate Aloor Valiya Pookunjkoya Thangal - a Muslim saint of South Malabar.During this feast the whole town is lit up and traditional music ensembles like 'Panchavadyam' and 'Thayambaka' are taken out for processions during the night. Various traditional arts are performed on the banks of river Bharathappuzha. Held in the memory of a Muslim saint from the Malabar region - Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal; the festival paints the entire town in multiple hues. Like a young bride on her wedding day the entire town adorns in lights and colours. The procession is a captivating one, marked by several caparisoned elephants, to the accompaniment of colourful tableaus and traditional orchestra like thepanchavadyam and thayambaka. Various folk art forms add a vibrant mood to the spectacular procession, which usually concludes late in the evening on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha.
Feast of St. Sebastian at Athirampuzha Church
The church dedicated to blessed virgin Mary Celebrates her feast on 3rd Sunday of September. This Festal celebration is commonly called as Kannimasa Perunal / naragana Perunal. The members of Darsans Samooham (a pious association) plays a major role in this feast. They participate in their special costumes in the mass and Procession. Here faith seeps out of antiquity embracing a grand tradition of eleven centuries. Gleaming in historical significance and exquisite architecture St. Mary’s Forane Church was blessed on 15th August 835 AD. Dedicated to St. Mary, this church is a renowned pilgrim church of St. Sebastian. The church boasts of a grand historical legacy with its collection of objects like the Granite cross, Altar, Bells, Articles used in the Holy Mass etc. carved in granite, wood metal and ivory. These objects are of anthropological and historical interest. Legend says that the statue of St. Sebastian installed here was brought to Kerala from Portugal.Started in the year 1647 the feast of St. Sebastian attracts thousands of devotees to the church. The statue of St. Sebastian is taken out for public veneration during the festival days. The procession, as part of the festival is a confluence of spiritual exercises and spectacular events. The dazzling display of fireworks, the music of different band groups, beaded ornate umbrellas, different types of crosses made of gold, silver, bronze and wood etc. make the procession an event much admired by scores of people.
Arthunkal Perunnal
The church dedicated to blessed virgin Mary Celebrates her feast on 3rd Sunday of September. This Festal celebration is commonly called as Kannimasa Perunal / naragana Perunal. The members of Darsans Samooham (a pious association) plays a major role in this feast. They participate in their special costumes in the mass and Procession. the feast of st.sebastian was started at Athirampuzha church from the year 1647.Now the principal festal week in from 19th to 26th of January every year. The flag hoisting ceremony marking the beginning of the festival is on 19th.The annual feast attracts a large no. of devotees from all over south India. The statue of St.Sebastian installed here is considered very ancient. During the days of the Portuguese, three figures were brought to kerala. Legend says that the smallest of them has brought to Athirampuzha by local traders. This is known as ‘Adiyelpicha Roopam’ (the Tortured Figure). The statue of St.Sebastian in Athirampuzha is unique as it is the only statue of the saint without arrowation is very attractive. Devotees from all across the state visit the church on the feast days. A procession, carrying the graceful statue of St. Sebastian, from the church to the beach and back, is the most important event of the feast. Interestingly, an eagle is seen roaming the skies, every year during the time of the procession.This eagle too has become part of the grandmother stories, about the presence of St. Sebastian as a guardian saint for the village. Arthunkal Perunnal Kerala is a ten-day festival which falls sometime in the beginning of January. It is considered to be a real visual treat for the tourists who flock at the spots during the festival season.Arthunkal Perunnal is regarded as one of the most meaningful celebration of ritualistic beliefs. It is one of such festivals which highlights the truth of the state. The highlights of the concluding day of the festival include an extraordinary ritual devotee’s crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church. Following these rituals there is a ceremonial procession to the beach.
Parumala Perunnal festival is dedicated to the Christian community. Parumala Perunnal is celebrated in the Parumala Church in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala and this is a week long festivities celebrated here. Parumala Perunnal is an annual feast held to commemorate the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala. The body remains of the Bishop are interred in the church. On the Orma Perunnal day or the commemoration day, special prayers are offered at the church. The bishop is buried in the church during the auspicious the occasion. During the Orma Perunnal day or commemorative feast, special prayers are offered and rituals performed. The mortal remains of the Bishop are interred in the church. On the orma perunnal(commemoration day), special prayers are offered at the church. The festival day is marked by special services and a well-attended colourful procession. Devotees from all parts of the State swarm the precincts of the church to celebrate this great day.The festival day is celebrated by special services and a well-attended colorful marches. Followers of the saint from all parts of the state crowd on the grounds of the church to celebrate this great day.The bishop is interred in the church during the auspicious the occasion. During the Orma Perunnal day or memorial feast, special prayers are offered and rituals performed. Followers from all parts of the state attend the festival.As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds fill up with vendors and stalls,selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry.There are cultural performances every evening. Parumala Perunnal Kerala is one such festival which is a real crowd puller in the state.
Edathua Perunnal
Edathua Perunnal is one of the most famous festival of Kerala .In the annual feast of St George Church,named as, Edathua Perunnal Festival attracts a large number of believers from across the state to the scenic village of Edathua. Processions and cultural performances are held everyday including dazzling firework displays in the initial as well as concluding days. Devotees from all parts of the State throng the premises of the church during the feast. prayers and related ceremonies are done here during these days. Devotees from all parts of the state attend the festival. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church cover with large crowds with vendors and stalls, selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry. There are cultural performances every evening. Edathua Perunnal Festival of Kerala is one such festival which is a real crowd puller in the state. The event starts on April 27 with special prayers and the celebrations and concludes on May 7. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal mental disorders and other ailments. Fireworks, processions and special prayers mark the festival days. During the feast, the statue of St.George, decked in gold, is carried out and placed on the dais in the center of the basilica.
Puthupally Perunnal
This ancient church renowned all over the world as "PUTHUPPALLY PALLY" or "PUTHUPPALLY VALIYAPALLY" situated on the eastern bank of the rivulet Kodoorar and beside the Puthuppally-Changancherry road about a kilometer away from Puthuppally junction was rebuilt, expanded or renovated five times during the past four and half centuries of its existence.It was originally built as a "kochu pally" (Chapel) in the name of St.Mary in AD 1557 near Vazhakulam Hindu temple on a hillock which later came to be known as Kochupallikunnu. Eight decades later in AD 1640 it was shifted and rebuilt in the name of Mar Bahanan Sahada at Elamthuruthi Kunnu, the present location.A century and a decade afterwards in AD 1750 the church was rebuilt in the name of St.George, retaining the main portions of Mar Bahanan Church. This church rose to glory and fame as a centre of solace in the succeeding 250 years by the grace of God and the blessings of St.Mary, St.Bahanan and St.George. housands of devotees flock to the church premises to attend the mass. Vechoottu (a ceremonial feast), adya choroonu (a ritual in which children get their first rice feeding by priests) etc. are some of the rituals associated with the festival. Later, Raza, the grand festival procession will be taken out with the holy golden cross from the church to the nearby Puthuppally junction. Thousands of devotees take part in this procession. Holy crosses in wood, silver and gold, colourful ceremonial umbrellas and orchestral accompaniment make the procession an extravaganza of sight and sound. An impressive fireworks display marks the conclusion of the festival.
Manarcad Perunnal
Manarcad Perunnal is the occasion celebrating the annual feast at the St. Mary’s Church at Manarcad of Kerala state. This festival is generally held September among the Christian community of Kerala every year. Manarcad Perunnal is also known as Ettunombu Perunnal which exactly means eight day prayer and fasting. The annual feast at the St Mary’s Church at Manarcad in Kottayam is an eight-day event called ‘ettunombu perunnal’. This is the feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated by the Christian community of Kerala. The Christian people of Kerala hold themselves in prayer and fasting during this fiesta. Thousands of devotees visit the church during the feast days to offer prayer and observe fasting.The haven and fast begin on the month of September.One can also view processions with the sacred golden cross are taken out on the last three days of the feast. Devotees, come in large groups holding muthukkuda or decorated parasols, and participate in the feast processions. The premises of the church during the eight days will be filled with thousands of devotees from morning till night. The feast is locally known as ettu noyambu (ettuin local language Malayalam means eight and noyambu means fasting).The desire of forefathers for a holy place to pray and perform religious ceremonies for the Pilgrim Christians was the root cause of construction of the church. They fasted and prayed for this purpose. On the eighth day of their prayer, they all had a vision. Holy fathers compared Virgin Mary with The 'Sakshipettakam' which was created by Mossaih according to the order of God. The circumference of this 'Sakhshipettakam' was 8 muzhams (around 12 feet). The number connected with the salvation secrets of Virgin Mary and her son Jesus Christ was also considered to be 8). The vision was to build the church in the forest where a calf and cow were lying down, where the fish and deer could be caught and Acacia Instia and canes were scattered around. (Acasia Redhirama, the wood which used to fabricate the 'Sakshipettakam' and Acasia Instra which was the Holy Fathers dreamt of were of the same species.The stone inscriptions found at the church reveal that the church was built more than 1000 years ago. Archaeologists have found that these stone inscriptions were memorial stones set up at the tombs in 910 A.D. and 920 A.D. and the writing on them is in Malayalam and Tamil scripts prevalent 600 years ago. Afterwards, on several occasions, the church was rebuilt and renewed. In the 16th century, there was not a single church in the land which was not re-built in the Portuguese style. It is believed that the Manarcad church also was re-built at that time in the model of theKottayam Cheriya Pally. This church is under the faith of Jacobite Syrian Church.
Vettukadu Feast
People belonging to different religious faith coexist in peaceful harmony in the state of Kerala. Consequently a large number of festivals associated with different religions are celebrated in this state with equal joy and delight. The Vettukadu Perunal Festival in Kerala is the annual festival that is celebrated in the Madre De Teus Church which is popularly known as the Vettukadu Church.
The Madre De Teus Church or the Vettukadu Church is located at a distance of about 7 km from the capital of the state Thiruvananthapuram. The place gains a fresh lease of life when the Vettukadu Perunal Festival is celebrated. Stretching for a period of ten days, the festival is an occasion for the people to get involved in unrestrained mirth. The region would come alive every year to celebrate the annual 'feast of Christ the King' held in the church. This is a colourful event attended by thousands of devotees. Special prayers are held on all the festival days and a ceremonial procession carrying the statue of Christ the King is held on the main day. The most important feast celebrated in this church situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram is of Christ, the King. This feast is observed for ten days. The annual festival at the Madre-de-Deus church, Vettucaud will start on November 11 with a Holy Mass and the raising of the ceremonial flag.Prayer meetings and rituals will mark the 10-day festival. Tens of thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the Holy Mass on November 18 and the procession carrying the figure of Christ-the-King on November 19. The festival will draw to close on November 20 with a Mass.
Malayattoor Perunnal
The Malayattoor Church is one of the most important Christian pilgrim centres in the state, attracting devotees in large numbers not only from Kerala but from the neighbouring states. This famous church is situated at Kurisumudi, a verdant hill on the Western Ghats, girdled partially by the Periyar river. The Malayattoor Church and the Tiruvamcode Church in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu are considered the half church. But some believe that the Malayattoor Church is one of the major churches built by St. Thomas and they argue that the churches at Kokomanagalam and Paravur must be regarded as one. his is a well-known form of local festivals which is held around the time of the summer season because this festival is celebrated in April. Historical stories say that the place on which St. Thomas had landed on is the Kerala coast at Muziris, known as Kodungalloor port in 52 AD. Some believe that the Malayattoor Church is one of the major churches built by St. Thomas. Kurishumudi is where one can find the Golden Cross believed to have formed when St. Thomas bent down on his knees on a rock and signed a cross with his finger. He continued there praying for a long time, and eventually a golden cross appeared on the spot. Another curious sight at the mountain is the enduring footprint and the marks of knees believed to be that of St. Thomas imprinted on the rock. Every year as the month of April arrives the entire village gets ready to welcome the pilgrims. Pilgrims, in this festival chant the name of the Apostle, ‘Ponninkurisumala Muthappa’, and climb Kurisumudi, the steep hill to visit the holy shrine in this festival.
Palayur Church Festival
The Palayur Church in Thrissur district is one of the ancient churches of Kerala. This church was established by St. Thomas who is believed to have reached Kerala in 52 AD.Fourteen granite statues at the entrance display selected events from the apostle’s life. There are also various carvings on a wooden door, known as the Jubilee door, which are based on biblical events. The Thaliyakulam, a pond in the church premises, is believed to have healing powers. St. Thomas, the Apostle of Christ landed in AD 52 at Kodungalur, the first centuary west coast harbour of Kerala (Pliny’s Primum Emporium India) and went on to establish seven churches for the faithful he evangelised in Kerala. Only one of the seven churches could claim continuous existence in the same location from the time of the Apostle. The church at Palayur is unique in that the present church has a continuous history of two millennia and stands on the same spot where Apostle first established it. The first church founded by St. Thomas continued to exist for many centuries and we know that in 1607 the Italian Jesuit Fr. Permission from the ecclesiastical authorities, to construct a more convenient church around the existing old structure for the parish of Palayur. The Palayoor church is well connected by road, rail and air services network. Palayoor is at a distance of 28 kilometres (17 mi) from Thrissur on the State Highway. It is on Thrissur - Chavakad route, via Pavaratty. By train, it is on the Thrissur - Guruvayur broad gauge line - at a distance of 24 kilometres (15 mi). From Guruvayur, the Hindu temple town, the church is3 kilometres (1.9 mi) by road. Nedumbasserry International Airport is only 80 kilometres (50 mi).
Pattambi Nercha
A beautiful mosque located at a distance of 61 km from Palakkad, Pattambi Nercha is known for its annual feast held in the month of February. The feast is held in order to commemorate Aloor Valiya Pookunjkoya Thangal - a Muslim saint of South Malabar.During this feast the whole town is lit up and traditional music ensembles like 'Panchavadyam' and 'Thayambaka' are taken out for processions during the night. Various traditional arts are performed on the banks of river Bharathappuzha. Held in the memory of a Muslim saint from the Malabar region - Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal; the festival paints the entire town in multiple hues. Like a young bride on her wedding day the entire town adorns in lights and colours. The procession is a captivating one, marked by several caparisoned elephants, to the accompaniment of colourful tableaus and traditional orchestra like thepanchavadyam and thayambaka. Various folk art forms add a vibrant mood to the spectacular procession, which usually concludes late in the evening on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha.
Feast of St. Sebastian at Athirampuzha Church
The church dedicated to blessed virgin Mary Celebrates her feast on 3rd Sunday of September. This Festal celebration is commonly called as Kannimasa Perunal / naragana Perunal. The members of Darsans Samooham (a pious association) plays a major role in this feast. They participate in their special costumes in the mass and Procession. Here faith seeps out of antiquity embracing a grand tradition of eleven centuries. Gleaming in historical significance and exquisite architecture St. Mary’s Forane Church was blessed on 15th August 835 AD. Dedicated to St. Mary, this church is a renowned pilgrim church of St. Sebastian. The church boasts of a grand historical legacy with its collection of objects like the Granite cross, Altar, Bells, Articles used in the Holy Mass etc. carved in granite, wood metal and ivory. These objects are of anthropological and historical interest. Legend says that the statue of St. Sebastian installed here was brought to Kerala from Portugal.Started in the year 1647 the feast of St. Sebastian attracts thousands of devotees to the church. The statue of St. Sebastian is taken out for public veneration during the festival days. The procession, as part of the festival is a confluence of spiritual exercises and spectacular events. The dazzling display of fireworks, the music of different band groups, beaded ornate umbrellas, different types of crosses made of gold, silver, bronze and wood etc. make the procession an event much admired by scores of people.
Arthunkal Perunnal
The church dedicated to blessed virgin Mary Celebrates her feast on 3rd Sunday of September. This Festal celebration is commonly called as Kannimasa Perunal / naragana Perunal. The members of Darsans Samooham (a pious association) plays a major role in this feast. They participate in their special costumes in the mass and Procession. the feast of st.sebastian was started at Athirampuzha church from the year 1647.Now the principal festal week in from 19th to 26th of January every year. The flag hoisting ceremony marking the beginning of the festival is on 19th.The annual feast attracts a large no. of devotees from all over south India. The statue of St.Sebastian installed here is considered very ancient. During the days of the Portuguese, three figures were brought to kerala. Legend says that the smallest of them has brought to Athirampuzha by local traders. This is known as ‘Adiyelpicha Roopam’ (the Tortured Figure). The statue of St.Sebastian in Athirampuzha is unique as it is the only statue of the saint without arrowation is very attractive. Devotees from all across the state visit the church on the feast days. A procession, carrying the graceful statue of St. Sebastian, from the church to the beach and back, is the most important event of the feast. Interestingly, an eagle is seen roaming the skies, every year during the time of the procession.This eagle too has become part of the grandmother stories, about the presence of St. Sebastian as a guardian saint for the village. Arthunkal Perunnal Kerala is a ten-day festival which falls sometime in the beginning of January. It is considered to be a real visual treat for the tourists who flock at the spots during the festival season.Arthunkal Perunnal is regarded as one of the most meaningful celebration of ritualistic beliefs. It is one of such festivals which highlights the truth of the state. The highlights of the concluding day of the festival include an extraordinary ritual devotee’s crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church. Following these rituals there is a ceremonial procession to the beach.