About:

St.Mary's Church is located at Manarkad near Kottayam town, Kottayam district, Kerala .Manarcad Perunnal is actually the ceremonious Ettunombu Perunnal or eight day prayer and fasting. The fast commences by the beginning of September every year. The devotees observe the fast stay at the church from morning till night.One has to pray and fast for continous eight days. This is the feast of Immaculate Conception which is celebrated by the Christian community of Kerala.ilgrims observing the fast, stay in the church from morning till night during these days. The main kanikkas or offerings at the church are muthukkudas (ornate silken parasols).On the last three days of the Perunnal or the celebrations, there will be processions carrying golden crosses and thousands of devotees accompany this with colorful embellished umbrellas. The church has a holy tank and a golden cross, which are considered sacred and which are taken special care of on these auspicious days. On the last three days of the feast the celebrations reach its peak. The processions that are held with golden crosses are accompanied by and visited by thousands of devotees.

Location info:

Address: Manarkad, Near Kottaym town, Kottayam district, Kerala, India.
District: Kottayam district
Nearest City: Idukki, Manarkad, Cheeranchira and Kottayam.
Best time to visit: Semptember.

History:

Interesting things to do:

You can take part in eight day prayer and in the procession, also see muthukkudas (ornate silken parasols).

Interesting things to Visit:

Vembanad Lake:

The Vembanad Lake, located 16km from Kottayam town, is an enchanting picnic spot and a perfect back water tourist destination. The lake bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts is one of the longest and largest lake in Kerala having a length and width of 83.72km. and 14.48km respectively.

Kumarakom:

Kumarakom is situated about 10 kms. from Kottayam. This idyllic rich green, sleepy little sub-tropical paradise is located on the banks of the Vembanad lake and interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. Th There are several resorts here which provides perfect accommodation and special entertainment opportunities like Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. Kumarakom is also wellknown for its famous bird sanctuary.

Pathiramanal:

This is an tiny beautiful island is located at the Vembanad Lake. The island is home for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The name Pathiramanal has the meaning 'The Sand of Midnight' and it lies in between Kumarakom and Thannermukkom. The place is accessible only by boat. The island Pathiramanal is an ideal location for poets, means tranquil lovers. It is a small island that is easily reachable using the water route. The journey to reach the island is an exhilarating one. Both sides of the lake have breath-taking beauty that would remain etched in the mind of the tourists.

St Mary's Forane Church:

This 9th century church located at Athirumpuzha, near Kottayam is has an extraordinary filigree work on the rusty fold altar and this church encloses a unique crucifix which depicts Jesus Christ without a single wound.

Mobile range info:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Police Station
Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam
Kerala.

Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.

Perumbavoor Police Station
Perumbavoor, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Bharath Hospital
Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple
Kottayam, Kerala 686001
Tel : 0481 2582947.

Kottayam Medical College
Arpookara, Kottayam
Kerala
Tel : 0481 2597284.

Government Hospital
Kottayam, Kottayam
Kerala State
Tel :0481 2462550.

Mary's Hospital
Manarcad, Kottayam
Ph 0481 2372161 2370177.

Mar Baselius Medical Mission Hospital
Kothamangalam
Ph 0485 2822203 - 2822207.

Society/Community Phone Number

Useful Links:

http://topics4all.blogspot.com/2007/08/manarcad-perunnal.html

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