Koratty Muthy’s Feast, also known as the feast of Koratty Muthy, is a prominent religious and cultural festival celebrated at the Koratty Muthy Church (St. Mary’s Forane Church) in Koratty, a small town in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. The church is dedicated to St. Mary and is one of the most famous Marian pilgrimage centers in the region.
The Feast is an annual event organized in the second week of October every year. Koratty Muthy is actually a local interpretation of Virgin Mary, to whom the festival is dedicated.
Apart from the traditional and customary rituals, there are many cultural activities and programs organized throughout the Feast. Although any and every devotee attends the feast the main attendants to the Feast includes the Ill and the Infirm, Distressed Damsels yearning for their partners in life, Parents longing for children etc.
The Church of Koratty Muthy is extremely popular amidst its devotees and people from all sects and castes participate in the annual Feast. Not only during the feast days but all through the year Church is full of devotees thronging to seek the blessings of Mother Mary.
Key Highlights of Koratty Muthy’s Feast:
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Dates: The feast is celebrated annually in the first or second week of October, usually around the second Sunday. It is a significant event for the Christian community, particularly for those belonging to the Syro-Malabar Church.
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Festivities: The celebration includes a variety of religious and cultural activities:
- Novena: The festivities start with a nine-day novena (a series of prayers) in honor of the Virgin Mary.
- Holy Mass: On the feast day, special masses are conducted, attracting thousands of devotees.
- Processions: A grand procession with the statue of Koratty Muthy is one of the highlights, accompanied by traditional music, folk dances, and decorated chariots.
- Offerings: Devotees offer candles, flowers, and other offerings as a sign of their devotion and in fulfillment of their vows.
- Panchavadyam: The traditional Kerala ensemble, Panchavadyam, adds to the celebratory atmosphere.
- Cultural Programs: Various cultural programs and fairs are organized during the festival, showcasing local art, dance, and music.
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Significance: The feast holds religious significance as many believe in the miraculous powers of Koratty Muthy, who is revered as a protector and healer. People from different faiths also participate, making it a symbol of communal harmony.
The celebration of Koratty Muthy’s Feast is a vibrant and deeply spiritual event that blends religious devotion with rich cultural traditions. Here’s a closer look at how it is celebrated:
1. Preparations and Novena:
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Novena Prayers: The festivities begin with a nine-day novena, a series of special prayers and masses held at the Koratty Muthy Church. Devotees attend these services in large numbers, seeking the blessings of the Virgin Mary. The church is beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and religious icons, creating an atmosphere of reverence and devotion.
2. Feast Day:
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Holy Mass: On the main feast day, the church conducts several Holy Masses, with a special emphasis on the grand High Mass. These services are attended by thousands of devotees who come to express their faith and gratitude. The church premises are often filled with the sounds of hymns and prayers, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
3. Grand Procession:
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Statue of Koratty Muthy: One of the most significant aspects of the feast is the grand procession in which the statue of Koratty Muthy (St. Mary) is carried through the streets. The statue is adorned with flowers and precious ornaments, and the procession is accompanied by traditional music, including drums and other instruments.
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Devotees’ Participation: Devotees often follow the procession barefoot as an act of penance and devotion. Many carry candles, flowers, and other offerings, and some even perform traditional dances as part of their vows.
4. Cultural Festivities:
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Panchavadyam: Traditional Kerala music ensembles, particularly Panchavadyam, are performed, adding a rhythmic and festive soundscape to the celebrations.
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Art and Dance: The feast also features cultural performances, including traditional dances such as Margamkali and Oppana, showcasing the rich heritage of Kerala.
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Food and Fairs: Stalls offering traditional Kerala food, handicrafts, and other items are set up around the church, creating a fair-like atmosphere. These stalls are a major attraction for visitors, providing a taste of local cuisine and culture.
5. Offerings and Vows:
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Offerings: Many devotees bring offerings to the church as a sign of their devotion. These offerings often include candles, flowers, and traditional items made from coconuts, bananas, and rice.
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Vows and Pilgrimage: It is common for devotees to fulfill vows made during times of need by visiting the church during the feast. Some undertake special pilgrimages, walking long distances to reach the church as an expression of their faith and gratitude.
6. Communal Harmony:
- Interfaith Participation: The feast of Koratty Muthy is notable for attracting people from various religious backgrounds. It is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, with participants from different faiths coming together in a spirit of unity and harmony.
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