Manarcad St. Mary's Cathedral is located at a distance of nine kilometers from Kottayam town. The church is famous for the annual eight-day festival observed in honour of Virgin Mary. Referred to as 'Ettunombu Perunnal,' this festival which has devout Christians fasting for 8 days, is religiously observed at the cathedral between September 1st and 8th of every year. During the days of the fasting, pious devotees from different parts of the world reach Manarcad to seek the blessings of St. Mary. The devotees usually stay at the church from morning till night on these days. During the last three days of the festival, processions carrying golden crosses and decorated parasols are held. The ancient church has archeological prominence as well. As deciphered from the stone inscriptions at the church, it wasbuilt a thousand years ago. Archeological studies in this regard has revealed that these inscriptions were actually memorial stones that were built in 910 A.D. and 920 A.D. The script inscribed on these stones relates to the language that was prevalent about 600 years ago. Later, the church has undergone many structural changes. **How to reach there** : The nearest railway station is Kottayam and the nearest airport is Nedumbassery.

TAGS