Church festivals of Kerala are the numerous festive occasions which are observed in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Such festivals are quite appealing and are thronged by millions of tourists and pilgrims from many portions of the country and also abroad. The festivals are held in different times of the year and are extremely popular amongst people of all ages.
Arthunkal Festival of Kerala
Known as one of the holiest churches of Kerala, St. Andrew`s Forane Church, Arthunkal is attended by several Christians and non-Christians every year, belonging to various portions of the nation. For eleven days, the feast of St. Sebastian is observed. Since there exists a common confusion regarding the last day of the grand feast, which is thought by many to be on 20th January, 8th January has been decided as the formal day of the feast by the church authorities.
Bharanamganam Feast of Kerala
The village of Bharanamganam located in Meenachal Taluka, Kottayam District is one of the most sacred places of Kerala. Here, the St. Mary`s Forane Church, one of the most ancient churches of Kerala, dedicated to Mother Mary, the Holy Mother is existent. The Feast of St. Sebastian celebrated on 20th January and the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is observed on 9th November.
Edapally Perunal Festival of Kerala
This festival is marked by the traditional `Forty Hour Devotion` every year and it commences on 23rd April, along with Litany and solemn High Mass. The flag is hoisted on 25th April with glory.
Edathua Festival of Kerala
St. George`s Church is situated on the banks of Pampa River which is about 16 miles from the south-eastern part of Alappuzha and is renowned for the feast of St. George during `Medam` month which constitutes the period of April till May. It starts on 27th April and lasts till 7th May.
Kadamattom Feast of Kerala
One feast is organised on 24th of the month of `Makaram` or the time from January to February and another feast is held on 23rd Medam, or the period from April till May.
Kallooppara Perunal Festival of Kerala
Beside the Kallooppara Bhagavathy Temple is based the St. Mary`s Church which contains some Pali inscriptions on the surface of two granite slabs in the western and eastern parts of the church. The church festival is held on 15th January while the foundation day of the church is conducted on 5th July.
Koratty Feast of Kerala
Koratty village is located at a distance of nearly seven kilometres from the southern portion of Chalakuddy, near which is present an old Catholic church known as `Koratty Muthy`s Church`. The Koratty Muthy`s Festival is one of the most significant festivals of this church which is held during October.
Malayattur Feast of Kerala
The shrine of St. Thomas is yet another ancient church of a village which is six miles from the northern part of Kaladi, Ernakulam District. Second Sunday is the main festival since the first moon or the `Vernal Equinox` which falls of 21st March. The following Sunday marks the celebration of the Octave.
Manjinikkara Church Festival of Kerala
The Manjinikkara Church possesses the mortal remains of the holy patriarch of Antioch, Ignatius Elise III and All the East. This Holy Father is revered as a saint by the members of the Jacobite Syrian Church.
Maramon Convention Festival of Kerala
Maramom is well-known for being the birthplace of Palakkunnathu Abraham Maplah, the leader of reformation as per the Syrian Church of Malabar during the 19th century. The festival is held in February on the gigantic sand-bed of Pampa River.
Niranam Festival of Kerala
Saint Thomas is said to have paid visit to Niranam in Syria during 53 AD and established a crucifix and later constructed a church. On 15th August, the main religious festival is organised in reverence of the Holy Mother. Special Mass is also held during the very day. St. Mary`s birthday is celebrated on 8th September with great pomp and the feast of St. Thomas is observed on 3rd July.
Rakkuli Thirunal Festival of Kerala
The Feast of Epiphany is observed on 6th January every year, inside the premises of St. Thomas Cathedral Church located at Pala. A large fair is also arranged, where various kinds of artefacts are displayed for sale.
St Dominic Syrian Church Feast of Kerala
The feast of St. Dominic Church at Aluva is celebrated on the third Sunday following the celebration of Easter. The idol of the saint is paraded out in a giant procession this day. After 8th December, the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is held.
Feast of St Joseph`s Shrine of Kerala
The annual feast at the shrine of St. Joseph is organised on the final Sunday of January.
Thumpoly Feast of Kerala
The church of Thumpoly is famous for its architectural grandeur and it has been named after St. Thomas, being dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast of our lady continues for 11 days and concludes on 8th December.
Vettukad Festival of Kerala
The Vettukad Festival of Kerala is observed near the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram and is in the honour of the Lord Jesus Christ. The feast is conducted for 11 days and ends with the final Sunday of October.
Vallarpadam Feast and Festival of Kerala
The feast of Vallarpada Amma is conducted on 24th September every year amidst great pomp and show. The celebrations continue for over a week, and the articles exhibited at the great fair organised include straw mats, pots and pans, cars and boats.
