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The "PUTHUPPALLY
PERUNNAL" , annual feast of the patron saint, St.George is
celebrated on 23rd and 24th of Medam Malayalam Era which usually
fails on 7th or 8th of may. It is attended by hundred thousands of
devotees belonging to various religions, a fine example of communal
and religious harmony among people of this area. Celebrations start
10 days prior to the perunnal with "Kodimaram Ideel" (hosting of
flags) participated by people belonging to all religions of the
locality. People from Puthuppally and Ericadu Karas bring Flag posts
(aeronaut palms) in procession accompanied with band melam. Vicars
bless the posts and after prayers hoist the flags. During the
ensuing days the parish members prepare themselves spiritually for
the Perunnal. Conventions attended by the Metropolitans of the
Church are held during the period. On the eve of perunnal, the "Virakideel"
function is conducted. Firewood is brought to the church in
procession attended by male members of all families. This firewood
is used to prepare the food for the "Vechoottu" to be held the next
day. On the eve, during night a colourful procession (RHASA) filled
with devotion and piety is taken out from the church to Puthuppally
kavala. People on either side of the road greet the Rhasa with
lighted Nilavilkks (lamps) and candles. Devotees from far and near
start to pour in during the night and in the morning the church and
the surroundings are thronged with devotees. |