MALAYATTUR FEAST

Malayattur is a village about six miles to the north-east of Kaladi, the birth place of the Hindu philosopher Sri Sankara. Situated on the banks of the Periyar and covered with thick hills, it is rightly called Malayattur. The rich scenery of the surging mountains and crystal waters of the Periyar is an attraction for all kinds of pilgrims.

St. Thomas shrine at Malayattur is believed to be one of the ancient catholic shrines in the northern part of the State. The chief festival at the shrine is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter that is the second Sunday, since the first moon, after the Vernal Equinox (March 21). The Feast, therefore, falls generally in the month of April or at times in the last week of March. The Octave is celebrated on the following Sunday. The pilgrims have to climb a hill nearly 2000 feet high and on top of it is the church. It is only a small sanctuary, a very plain building with no artistic attraction. The pilgrims chant prayers as they climb up and down the hill. The Grand Father whom the pilgrims invoke in their prayers in none other than St. Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. It is now admitted by a vast majority of writers that St. Thomas preached Christianity in India and erected sever churches and crosses in Malabar.

During the days of the festival, ceremonies are held in the open air. A visit to the shrine of Malayattur during the festival days is very interesting, be he a Christian or a non-Christian. So inspiring is the scenery of the hill and dale which seems to sing the glory of the Creator.

MANARCAD PERUNAL

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. During all these days people belonging to all communities assemble here to make offerings and for fasting. Mass is said for the pilgrims on all days of the feast. On the 7th and 8th days colourful processions are taken out. Umbrellas of a peculiar kind made of coloured cloth are used in the procession. 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.

MANJINKIKKARA CHURCH FESTIVAL

The church and Dayara at Manjinikkara derives its importance from the holy tomb there. The sacred body of the late Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriarch of Antioch and all the East was interned there. Members of the Jacobite Syrian Church believe that the Holy Father was a Saint. The Church has now become one of the foremost places of pilgrimage. A large number of pilgrims visit the church to receive spiritual and physical healings and blessings.

MANNARASALA UTSAVAM

In olden time every Hindu family in Kerala has a serpent-grove. Mannarsala, situated to the north-west of Sri. Subramanyaswamy temple, Haripad, is the seat of the famous temple of Nagaraja (God of serpents), the largest of its kind in Kerala. Built in a grove the temple is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-Gods.

On the day of Ayilliam asterism in the months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to the illam (family connected with the temple) where the offerings of Nurum Palum (rice flour and milk), kuruthi (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime) and cooked rice are made. The oldest female member of the family carries the idol of the Nagaraja and the procession is conducted with great pomp and rejoicing. Even if married, the eldest female member of the illam, is expected to lead a life of abstinence when she becomes the oldest female in the family. During the festival days thousands of people assemble at Mannarasala to worship and propitiate the serpent gods. The offerings include coins and effigies made of gold, silver and copper, grains of all kinds, pepper, tender coconuts, plantains, melons, sandalwood etc. On Ayilliam days the Pulluvans sing and dance either on their own or for payment.