manarcad perunnal, manarcad church fest kerala

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.

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 Kerela 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.