The St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha traces its existence back to 835 AD. This renowned pilgrim centre of St.Sebastian is dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary.
This church with a rich historical legacy sees the flock of thousands of devotees from all over the world during its annual festival, the feast of St. Sebastian.
The festival was started in the year 1647 and, during the festival, a grand procession is conducted where the idol of St. Sebastian is taken out for public veneration.
The temple is considered the epicentre of Onam celebrations across Kerala.
Annually the church witnesses the participation of a large number of people from around the globe.
Thousands of devotees immersed in prayers carrying wooden crosses of different sizes and ambling up a hill; a whole village getting decked up and readying itself to welcome these pilgrims.
Once a year, the River Pamba gets enlivened as an elaborately decorated snake boat glides across its placid waters bearing the provisions for a grand feast
Pooram Purappadu, Uthram Vilakku and Vrischika Ekadasi are the popular festivals
Discover the thrills & chills of festivities here!
The feast of St. Sebastian in St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha, Kottayam attracts thousands of devotees to the church. The statue of St. Sebastian is taken out for public veneration during the festival days.
St. Mary's Forane Church at Athirampuzha in Kottayam is unique as it shows Jesus Christ without a single wound.