Malakhayude Perunnal which is also known as the Feast of Saint Raphael, is an annual festival held in Ollur region, near Thrissur main town of Thissur district of Kerala. This Christian festival is celebrated since 1839. It draws thousands of pilgrims from all over the parts of Kerala and India.
Celebration of Malakhayude Perunnal
Malakhayude Perunnal is mainly celebrated at The Ollur Forane Church, which was founded in 1718 and dedicated to St Anthony, also houses a famous Shrine of Raphael the Archangel. This is one of the oldest churches built in 18th century Kerala.
Occasion of Malakhayude Perunnal
Malakhayude Perunnal was held on October 23rd and 24th of each year. It is one of the most important Christian festivals in Kerala. The festival starts with the hoisting of the ceremonial flag on October 15 to mark the beginning of the celebrations in the church compound. It is one of half a dozen Christian festivals listed by Government of Kerala Tourism Department as among the attractions of the state of South India, Kerala.
Cynosure of Malakhayude Perunnal
The main magnetism of Malakhayude Perunnal is the "Vala" (Bangle) procession which is coming from the six zones of Ollur Parish on October 23. These Valas will conclude at the foot of the rock-cross of the church. The processions are very beautiful by glittering chariot, multi coloured silk umbrellas, many types of vadyams and melams and followed by firework displays in the church grounds.
Importance of Malakhayude Perunnal
The main part of Malakhayude Perunnal is the main march carrying the statues of the four angels, Saint Raphael, Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and the Guardian Angel, in the Roopakkoodu (an intricately decorated support or surround). Formerly accompanied by thullal (popularly known as "devil dancing"), this aspect of the festival has in more recent years been suppressed by church order.
Malakhayude Perunnal in St. Anthony`s Forane Church
The St. Anthony`s Forane Church of Ollur was built by Chiramel Chakoru Palu, a resident of Ollur, who got the permission from Raja of Cochin. The foundation stone of the church was laid by Rev. Marollical Poulose. The church was built in the gothic architecture style in the period 1883-1893. The Ollur Forane Church is one of the best replicas of Christian architecture in South India. The Ollur Church is one of the wealthiest in the whole of Kerala.
Raphael in Malakhayude Perunnal
Raphael is the name of an archangel of South Indian Medieval Christianity, who is one of three angels listed by name in the Holy Bible. The Roman Catholic Church assigns the feast of Saint Raphael to October 24. He stands in the choir of archangels and is one of the seven angels who stand before the Throne of God. His name is known in the Holy Bible where he, in the book of Tobit, is the travelling companion of the Tobias, a young man.
