Edathua Perunnal is a significant religious festival celebrated at the St. George Forane Church in Edathua, Kerala, India. It is one of the most prominent Christian festivals in the region and attracts a large number of devotees from different parts of the state and beyond. The festival is dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of the Edathua Church.
The Edathua Perunnal takes place annually in the month of May, spanning over 11 days. The festival commemorates the feast day of Saint George and includes various religious rituals, processions, and cultural events. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession (Thirunal) carrying the sacred statue of Saint George.
During the festival, the church is beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and colorful banners. Devotees participate in special prayers, hymns, and liturgical services. The statue of Saint George is taken out in a procession, accompanied by traditional music, drums, and fireworks.
The festival also features various cultural programs such as traditional dance performances, music concerts, and other forms of entertainment. Local artisans and traders set up stalls selling handicrafts, religious artifacts, and delicious food.
Devotees, irrespective of their religious affiliations, throng the church during the Edathua Perunnal seeking blessings, offering prayers, and making vows. The festive atmosphere, devotion, and cultural vibrancy make it a memorable experience for participants.
It’s worth noting that the specific dates and details of the Edathua Perunnal may vary from year to year, so it is advisable to check the local calendar and consult the church authorities for accurate and up-to-date information if you are planning to attend the festival.
Edathua Perunnal is one of the famous festivals in Kerala that is celebrated annually in the Edathua St. George Church in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, South India. In 2018, it is celebrated from 27th April to 7th May. Pilgrims from across Kerala flock into the Edathua church to celebrate the Edathua Perunnal.
Edathua church is a majestic shrine that is situated on the banks of the Pamba River. The architectural style of the church resembles the churches of the medieval Europe. The church is dedicated to St. George and it was established in 1810. St. George is also called as Gee Varghese Punyavalan by the Syrian Christians.
Edathua Perunnal is one of the local festivals in Kerala that is held during the months of summer. During the feast the Idol of St. George is embellished in gold is carried out in procession and placed in the center of the dais in the Basilica.
The feast of St. George is celebrated in all its splendor at Edathua. Edathua Perunnal is a visual treat for the people of Kerala who comes in large numbers to experience the magnificence of the feast. During the feast the grounds of the church are flooded by vendors and stalls, who sell all kinds of items under the sun right from food to toys and from utensils to jewellery. Cultural performances of renowned artists are arranged every evening of the festival.
Edathua Perunnal is a real crowd-puller feast that is celebrated in the state of Kerala. Dazzling firework displays attract every firework lover of Kerala. The firework display is held on the initial day and concluding day of the festival. Processions are also organized on every day of the Edathua Perunnal.
Devotes celebrate the Edathua Perunnal with much ardor and passion. People from far way places even stay in nearby houses during the entire week of festivities. It is an occasion for family get together for the people of Edathua.
How to reach Edathua Church
The nearest railway station is Alappuzha railway station. It is at a distance of about 24 KM from the Edathua.
The nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport. It is at a distance of 85 km from Alappuzha.