Koratty Muthy Feast (St. Mary's Forane Church)

About this event

The Koratty Muthy Feast, popularly known as Koratty Muthy Perunnal, is the annual Marian feast of St. Mary’s Forane Church at Koratty in Thrissur district. The church, believed to have been established in 1381, is a prominent Marian pilgrimage centre and is closely associated with devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, locally revered as Koratty Muthy. The annual feast is traditionally held in the second week of October, with the principal celebrations taking place on the Saturday and Sunday following October 10. The observance brings together large numbers of devotees for special Holy Masses, prayers, novenas, devotional offerings and processions. One of the distinctive traditions of the feast is the offering of Poovankula, a bunch of the Poovan variety of plantain, which has become closely associated with the shrine and its identity as Poovankula Matha, or Our Lady with the Poovan Bananas. Thulabharam is another important votive offering, in which devotees offer their body weight in a chosen material, traditionally including Poovan bananas, as an expression of devotion and surrender. The feast also features a grand procession in which the statue of Koratty Muthy is carried in a ceremonial procession accompanied by prayers, hymns, bands, drums and decorated umbrellas. A candle procession is traditionally held between the main feast and the octave, while daily novenas and other devotional observances form part of the wider celebration. The church and surrounding area take on a festive character during the feast, with pilgrims and local communities participating in religious and cultural activities. Historically, the church precinct also hosted an agricultural market associated with the feast, reflecting Koratty’s older agrarian connections and the importance of the celebration to the surrounding community. The feast has a broad local appeal and is regarded as a gathering that brings together people from different social and religious backgrounds. Its significance lies primarily in Marian devotion, pilgrimage, traditional offerings and community participation rather than in entertainment. The exact programme of services, processions and accompanying activities varies according to the annual arrangements of the church. Visitors attending the feast should respect the religious character of the premises and follow directions issued by church and local authorities, particularly during crowded processions.

🚆 Railway: Koratty Angady Railway Station, approximately 3 km from the church; Chalakudy Railway Station is another nearby option.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport, approximately 15 km from Koratty.

🚌 Bus: Regular buses connect Koratty with Chalakudy, Angamaly, Thrissur, Ernakulam and surrounding towns.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, lodges and other accommodation options are available in Koratty, Chalakudy and Angamaly.

✅ Notes: The annual feast is held in the second week of October, with the main celebration traditionally on the Saturday and Sunday following October 10. The exact programme should be confirmed with the church for the relevant year. The feast attracts large crowds, particularly during the main procession and major religious observances