The Manarcad Perunnal, also known as Ettunoyambu or the Eight-Day Lent, is a prominent annual festival held at St. Mary’s Church in Manarcad, Kottayam. This celebration spans eight days, drawing thousands of devotees who remain at the church from morning until night to partake in the religious festivities.

Celebrated from September 1st to 8th every year, the festival highlights the feast of St. Mary’s Cathedral. The main event is the "Rassa," a vibrant procession featuring the sacred golden cross, which takes place during the final three days of the feast. Devotees join the procession carrying decorated parasols (muthukkuda), enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Locally known as Ettunoyambu, where "ettu" means eight and "noyambu" means fasting in Malayalam, this period witnesses a significant influx of devotees from near and far. They come to offer their respects and observe the fasting tradition. The festival’s grandeur is marked by a grand procession of golden crosses and colorful umbrellas, with thousands of participants.

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Manarcad, also recognized as the Global Marian Pilgrim Centre, is unique in Malankara for its site, which was divinely revealed. The church celebrates the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on September 8th, drawing pilgrims seeking blessings from the Holy Mother. This tradition dates back to the church’s early days, with records showing large pilgrim gatherings as early as 1836.

The Manarcad Perunnal festival reaches its peak with several significant events. On September 6th at 2 p.m., the historic Rasa procession takes place, showcasing a grand display of thousands of ornamental umbrellas, known as Muthukudas, alongside gold and silver crosses. The procession is accompanied by brass bands and orchestras, as devotees chant prayer songs to the Holy Virgin, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere that is recognized as the largest spiritual celebratory procession in Asia. The following day, September 7th, features Nadathurakkal, when the Holy Portrait of the Virgin Mary with Child Jesus is unveiled for "darshan" in the sanctum sanctorum, drawing lakhs of pilgrims from around the globe to seek blessings. This portrait remains open for viewing until September 14th. On the eighth day of the festival, known as Pachor Nercha, a sacred sweet dish called Pachor, made from rice, milk, and jaggery, is prepared and shared with all devotees. This offering, considered holy, is also taken by pilgrims to distant places. The celebrations culminate with a spectacular display of fireworks on September 8th, followed by traditional art performances by parish members in the early hours of the eighth day. 

The Manarcad Perunnal is a vibrant and spiritually enriching festival, reflecting the deep faith and cultural heritage of the Christian community in Kottayam.