Edathua Perunnal

St George’s church was established in 1810 and its massive shrine on the banks of the river Pamba is modelled on the medieval churches of Europe. It is located 16 miles southeast of Alappuzha on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road. This church is famous for the feast of St. George celebrated every year in the month of Medam that is during April or May. It takes place from 27th April till 7th of May. The perunal or the festival at Edathua commences with the Kodiyettam that is the flag hoisting ceremony on the 27 April. During the feast, the statue of St. George, decked in gold regalia, is carried out and placed on the dais in the centre of the basilica. The festival lasts for 11 days, the major festival will be celebrated only on the last few days before the feast day on the 6th of May. The holy mass and novena would held on all days of the festival, in Tamil and Malayalam. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to recover from mental imbalances and other diseases. Pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint. It is considered to be a real visual treat for the tourists who flock at the spots during the festive season. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds swarm with vendors and stalls, selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry. Cultural performances are conducted every evening.