Manarcad Perunnal

St. Mary's church at Manarcad is one of the outstanding churches of the Syrian Jacobite Church of Malabar. The most important festival here is the eight day fast in honour of St. Mary which starts on September 1. Manarcad Perunnal is also known as Ettunombu Perunnal, which means eight-day prayer and fasting. This is the feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated by the Christian community of Kerala. The retreat and fast begins on the first of September every year. Pilgrims observing the fast, stay in the church from morning till night during these days. The main kanikka or offering of the church is muthukkuda which are highly embellished silken parasols. The church has a holy tank and a golden cross, which are considered sacred. On the last three days of the feast processions are held with golden crosses and accompanied by thousands of devotees holding muthukkudas. There will also be display of pyrotechnics. On the eighth day there will be a special offering of rice boiled in coconut milk. Many people come here to get relief from their ailments ranging from demon's possession to chronic diseases. A fair is organised during the festive days.