Puthuppally Perunnal (Puthuppally Church Feast)

About this event

Puthuppally Perunnal is the annual feast of St. George Orthodox Church at Puthuppally in Kottayam district, one of the prominent pilgrimage celebrations of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The church is traditionally associated with the Thekkumkoor royal family and traces its history to 1557, when a chapel dedicated to St. Mary was established at the original site. The church was later shifted to its present location in 1640 and rebuilt in the name of St. George in 1750. The present complex, renovated and consecrated in 2003, brings together the historic St. George church with chapels dedicated to St. Mary and St. Behanan. The shrine is officially recognised as the “Georgian Pilgrim Centre of the East” and attracts devotees throughout the year, with particularly large numbers during the St. George feast. Puthuppally Perunnal is a two-day celebration, although preparations and associated observances begin ten days before the principal feast days with the ceremonial hoisting of the festival flag mast. Religious services and traditional rituals form the heart of the celebration. Among the distinctive observances are Virakideel, associated with bringing firewood to the church, Vechoottu, the ceremonial feast, and Adya Choroonu, during which children receive their first rice feeding by priests. The principal attraction is the Raza, the grand religious procession in which the holy golden cross is carried from the church towards Puthuppally Junction. The procession features ornate ceremonial umbrellas, orchestral accompaniment and holy crosses made of wood, silver and gold, creating a richly visual expression of Orthodox Christian tradition in Kerala. Thousands of devotees participate in the procession and attend the religious services at the church. The feast also reflects the strong community character of Puthuppally’s Christian heritage, bringing together families, pilgrims and parish communities in collective worship and fellowship. The church complex itself preserves several layers of Kerala’s Orthodox Christian history, with the older chapels and the later St. George shrine forming a distinctive composite sacred space. Puthuppally Perunnal is therefore significant not simply for its scale but for the continuity of its liturgical traditions, rituals and pilgrimage practices. For visitors, the celebration provides an opportunity to experience the religious heritage of central Kerala in an active place of worship, where centuries-old traditions remain part of contemporary community life. Visitors should respect church customs and follow directions from the organisers during services and processions, particularly when large crowds gather around the church and junction.

🚆 Railway: Kottayam Railway Station, approximately 8 km from St. George Orthodox Church, Puthuppally

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport, approximately 88–90 km from the church.

🚌 Bus: The church is about 1 km from Puthuppally Junction and approximately 5 metres from Angadi Bus Stop, according to Kerala Tourism's festival information.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation are available in Puthuppally and Kottayam; the Kottayam district administration also lists government accommodation such as the PWD Rest House and Government Guest House in Kottayam.

✅ Notes: Puthuppally Perunnal is a two-day festival, with the main celebrations traditionally held on 6–7 May; preparations begin ten days earlier with the flag-mast procession. The grand Raza procession and other rituals can attract very large crowds. Festival dates are based on local church traditions and should be confirmed with the church before travel. Visitors should follow church and procession-area instructions and maintain respectful conduct during religious services.