Maramon Convention (Pathanamthitta)

About this place

The Maramon Convention is one of Asia’s largest annual Christian conventions, held on the vast sandbed of the Pamba River at Maramon near Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta district. Organised by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, the missionary wing of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, the convention traces its origins to 1895 and has grown into a major gathering for Christians from Kerala, other parts of India and abroad. Held annually in February, the convention brings together large congregations for worship, Bible study, sermons, prayer and spiritual reflection. The setting on the Pamba’s seasonal sandbed, beside the Kozhencherry Bridge, is an integral part of the event, providing an expansive open-air venue for the week-long programme. Religious leaders, theologians, scholars and speakers address participants on Christian faith, Scripture and contemporary social and spiritual concerns, while worship sessions and hymns form an important part of the daily programme. The convention also includes dedicated sessions for children, Bible-study meetings and programmes associated with the Mar Thoma Church and its organisations. Ecumenical participation has been an established feature, with leaders and representatives from other Christian traditions taking part in selected sessions. The event has a distinctive community character: temporary structures, meeting spaces, stalls and service facilities are created on the riverbed for the duration of the convention, transforming the normally open sandbank into a large temporary gathering place. The convention’s long history reflects the development of organised Christian evangelistic and renewal movements in Kerala during the late nineteenth century, while its continuing popularity demonstrates the importance of collective worship and religious fellowship in the region. The surrounding landscape of the Pamba, together with the nearby towns and villages of Kozhencherry and Maramon, adds a strong local dimension to the experience. The convention is primarily a religious gathering rather than a tourism festival, and visitors are expected to respect the devotional character of the programme and the instructions of organisers and volunteers. The 131st Maramon Convention was held from 8 to 15 February 2026, continuing the long-running annual tradition on the Pamba riverbed. For pilgrims and visitors interested in Kerala’s Christian heritage, the convention offers an opportunity to witness a major contemporary expression of the state’s long-established religious and cultural traditions.

🚆 Railway: Chengannur Railway Station — approximately 13 km from the Maramon Convention venue.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport — approximately 119 km. Cochin International Airport is another major airport serving the region.

🚌 Bus: Kozhencherry Bus Stand — approximately 2 km from the convention venue. Maramon also has a local bus station close to the venue.

🏨 Stay: Accommodation is available in and around Maramon, including the Kerala Tourism-listed Maramon Hotel and Resort, about 0.45 km from the convention area, as well as homestays in the surrounding region.

✅ Notes: The Maramon Convention is held annually in February on the Pamba River sandbed. The 131st convention took place from 8–15 February 2026. Dates for future editions should be confirmed through the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church or Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association before planning a visit.