Puthupally Perunnal

St George Orthodox Church, popularly known as Puthupally Pally, is a famous pilgrim centre located at Puthupally in Kottayam District. It is one of the oldest and renowned churches of Malankara Orthodox Church. The main sanctum sanctorum is in the name of St George and is adorned with beautiful wall paintings and ornamental decorations. Other two Thronose on the left and right are in the names of St Mary and St Behanan. The unique golden cross, weighting around 450 sovereigns, is taken out only once in a year during the annual festival and placed in the main Thronose. The 'Puthuppally Perunnal,' annual feast of the patron saint, St George is celebrated on 7th or 8th of May. Many devotees belonging to various religions throng here during this festival. Celebrations start 10 days prior to the perunnal with hosting of flags participated by people belonging to all religions of the locality. People from Puthuppally and Ericadu Karas bring Flag posts in procession accompanied with band melam. Vicars bless the posts and after prayers hoist the flags. 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 is taken out from the church to Puthuppally kavala. People on either side of the road greet the procession with lighted 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. The main function on the perunnal day is the holy mass lead by the supreme head of Malankara Orthodox Church.