Manarcad Perunnal is the occasion celebrating the annual feast at the St. Mary's Church at Manarcad. This festival is generally held September 1-8 every year. Manarcad Perunnal is also known as Ettunombu Perunnal which literally means eight day prayer and fasting. This is the feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated by the Christian community of Kerala.
Manarcad Perunnal is the annual feast at the St.Mary’s church at Manarcad, Kottayam in Kerala. Manarcad Perunnal is actually the ceremonious Ettunombu Perunnal or eight day prayer and fasting. The fast commences by the beginning of September every year. The devotees observe the fast stay at the church from morning till night. | |
The main offering of the church is made in the form of Muthukkuda which are highly decked parasols. On the last three days of the Perunnal or the celebrations, there will be processions carrying golden crosses and thousands of devotees accompany this with colorful embellished umbrellas. The church has a holy tank and a golden cross, which are considered sacred and which are taken special care of on these auspicious days. On the last three days of the feast the celebrations reach its peak. The processions that are held with golden crosses are accompanied by and visited by thousands of devotees.