Located in the Kottayam district, the St. Mary's Forane Church at Athirampuzha, blessed on 15th August 835 C.E, exudes old-world charm and holds significant historical value. Dedicated to St. Mary, this church is a prominent pilgrimage center for devotees of St. Sebastian. According to legend, the statue of St. Sebastian in the church was brought from Portugal. The church boasts a collection of historical artifacts, including a granite cross, altar, bells, and items used in the Holy Mass, all crafted from granite, wood, and metal.

The annual feast of St. Sebastian, which began in 1647, draws thousands of devotees from around the world. The festival starts with the flag hoisting ceremony on January 19th. Throughout the festival, the statue of St. Sebastian is carried out for public veneration in a grand procession. This event combines spiritual practices with spectacular displays, including fireworks, band music, ornate umbrellas, and various types of crosses made from gold, silver, bronze, and wood. The procession, rich in tradition and grandeur, is a cherished event for participants and spectators alike.

St. Mary's Forane Church in Athirampuzha, established in 835 AD, is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a notable pilgrimage center for St. Sebastian. The feast of St. Sebastian, which began in 1647, is the highlight of the church's annual events. Held from January 19th to 26th, the festival begins with a flag hoisting ceremony and features a grand procession where the idol of St. Sebastian is taken out for public veneration. The statue, known as Adiyelpicha Roopam (the Tortured Figure), is unique as it is the only statue of the saint without arrows.

During the festival, the statue of St. Sebastian is prominently displayed for public veneration. The procession is a magnificent spectacle featuring fireworks, school band performances, flags, gold, brass, silver, and wooden crosses, as well as traditional items like allavattom, venchamaram, thazahakkuda, theevetti, and ornate umbrellas. The festival's vibrant and regal procession is a spiritual cleansing for devotees, and the dazzling fireworks display is a colorful visual treat. The celebration extends with the 'Ettamidam,' adding eight more days to the festivities, culminating on February 1st. The church, with its rich history and annual festival, continues to be a beacon of faith and heritage in Kerala.