Visits since 1 Apr 2024
6,175,355
Visits since 1 Jan 2007 48,036,944
Event date: 25-01-2025
Venue: St. Mary's Forane Church
District: Kottayam
Blessed on 15th August 835 C.E, the St. Mary’s Forane Church at Athirampuzha oozes with old world charm and is much reputed for its exquisite architecture and historical significance. The church which is dedicated to St. Mary is a noted pilgrim centre of St. Sebastian. Legend has it that the statue of St. Sebastian installed here was brought from Portugal. The church boasts of a rich historical legacy with its collection of objects like the granite cross, altar, bells, articles used in the Holy Mass etc. carved in granite and wood metal.
Thousands of devotees flock to the church for the feast of St. Sebastian which was started in the year 1647. The flag hoisting ceremony marking the beginning of the festival and is held on 19th. During the festival days, the statue of St. Sebastian is taken out for public veneration. The procession sees a rich conflux of spiritual exercises and spectacular events. The spectacular display of fireworks, the music of different band groups, beaded ornate umbrellas, different types of crosses made of gold, silver, bronze, and wood make the procession an event cherished by people.
Disclaimer
In Kerala, festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs. We have calculated the festival dates based on these. But there can be changes in the dates according the customs and rituals associated with each place of worship. As such, these should be considered only as approximate dates and have to be confirmed with the local authorities.
