Manarcad Perunnal: St. Mary's Cathedral Annual Fiesta

Manarcad Perunnal: St. Mary’s Church

4to40.com August 30, 2024 Indian Festivals 1,300 Views

Event Name: Manarcad Perunnal
Start Date: 01 September (Every Year)
End Date: 08 September (Every Year)
Venue: St. Mary’s Church
Location: Manarcad
District: Kottayam

Manarcad Perunnal: Annual Fiesta

Manarcad Perunnal is an annual fiesta held at St Mary’s Church at Manarcad in the Kottayam district of Kerala. It is revered as the most famous festival of Christian community which continues for eight days in honor of mother Mary. Manarcad Perunnal is also known as Ettunombu Perunnal which literally means eight days prayer and fasting.

During the festival devotees generally fast and stay at the church from morning till night. The last three days of the festival marked by grand processions carrying golden crosses with colorful embellished umbrellas. These last three days mark the festivity of the festival to its peak when thousands of followers participate in the processions.

As an offering decked parasols are offered to Lord Muthukkuda. During Manarcad Perunnal the golden cross and the holy tank of church specially honored by the devotees.

These eight days of festive celebrations fill ardent devotion and grandeur in the atmosphere of the Manarcad.

The Manarcad Perunnal is signified by eight days of devotion and festivities where thousands of devotees flock in to be part of this grand occasion and remain in the church premises from morning till night. The celebrations mark the annual feast of St Mary’s Cathedral at Manarcad in Kottayam. The highlight of the festival is a spirited procession carrying the sacred golden cross, known as the “Rassa”, which is taken out on the final three days of the feast. The devotees participate in the procession holding muthukkuda (decorated parasols). Locally known as ettunoyambu (ettu in local language Malayalam means eight and noyambu means fasting) or Eight Day Lent the feast sees a huge influx of devotees from near and far arriving to pay their obeisance and observe fasting.

How to Reach Manarcad:

By Air:

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam.

By Rail:

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 10 km away.

By Road:

Manarcad is just 10 kilometers drive from Kottayam town.

Time of Manarcad Perunnal Festival Celebration:

In Kerala most of the festival dates are decided according to the Malayalam Calendar. Local practices also influence the dates of some traditional, customary and auspicious events. The festival or feast of Manarcad Perunnal is celebrated from 1st to 8th September every year.