Manarcad Perunnal
Date:
9/6/2008
Venue: Manarcad St. Mary’s church, Kottayam, Kerala
The annual feast of Manarcad St. Mary’s church is an event that you are sure to cherish for long due to its grandeur and ardent devotion. Known as Ettunombu Perunnal (literally, eight day feast), this is the feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated by the Christian community of Kerala. Prayers and fast mark all these eight days immersed in devotion. The retreat and fast begins on the first of September every year. Pilgrims observing the fast, stay in the church from morning till night during these days. The main kanikkas or offerings at the church are muthukkuda (highly embellished silken parasols). The church has a holy tank and a golden cross, which are considered sacred. On the last three days of the feast, processions are held with golden crosses, accompanied by thousands of devotees holding muthukkudas.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 10 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam.