Vallarpadam Feast (Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom)

About this event

The Vallarpadam Feast, also known as the Feast of Vallarpadathamma or the Feast of Our Lady of Ransom, is the annual celebration at the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom on Vallarpadam Island in Kochi. The nine-day observance begins on September 16 and culminates on September 24, the feast day of Our Lady of Ransom. The celebration draws pilgrims from across Kerala and beyond, reflecting the shrine’s importance as a major Marian pilgrimage centre and its tradition of welcoming people irrespective of caste or creed. The history of the shrine is closely connected with the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. A church known as the Church of the Holy Spirit was established at Vallarpadam in 1524, and a painting of Our Lady of Ransom was enshrined there. The original church was later destroyed by a major flood and rebuilt in 1676, when it became associated with the present dedication to Our Lady of Ransom. Over the centuries, stories of miraculous interventions attributed to Vallarpadathamma became an important part of local devotion, strengthening the shrine’s place in Kerala’s religious heritage. The church was recognised as a national pilgrim centre in 1951 and was subsequently elevated to basilica status, further establishing Vallarpadam as an important destination for Catholic pilgrimage. During the feast, the basilica becomes a centre of prayer and communal worship, with celebrations including the opening flag-hoisting ceremony, Holy Masses, novena prayers, special liturgical observances and religious processions. A major highlight is the solemn procession in which devotees carry the revered image of Our Lady of Ransom. The feast also reflects the shrine’s long-standing connection with Kerala’s coastal communities, with Vallarpadathamma traditionally regarded as a protector of sailors, fishermen and people whose lives are linked to the sea. Set amid the backwaters of Kochi, Vallarpadam provides a distinctive setting for a pilgrimage rooted in centuries of history, faith and local tradition. The annual feast brings together religious observance, community participation and cultural heritage, making it an important event in Kerala’s calendar of Christian celebrations.

🚆 Railway: Ernakulam Junction (Ernakulam South), approximately 7 km from Vallarpadam.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport, approximately 35 km from Vallarpadam.

🚌 Bus: Vallarpadam is accessible by road from mainland Kochi via the Goshree bridge network, with bus services available to the area.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and guesthouses are available across Kochi and the Ernakulam area. Accommodation options should be booked in advance during the feast period because of increased pilgrimage traffic.

✅ Notes: The annual feast is observed from September 16 to September 24, with September 24 being the principal feast day. The programme includes religious services, prayers and processions. Visitors should check the basilica's current programme and local arrangements before attending, as schedules and crowd-management measures can vary.