Athirampuzha Perunnal

Blessed on 15th August 835 C.E, the St. Mary’s Forane Church at Athirampuzha oozes with old world charm and is much reputed for its exquisite architecture and historical significance. The church which is dedicated to St. Mary is a noted pilgrim centre of St. Sebastian. Legend has it that the statue of St. Sebastian installed here was brought from Portugal. The church boasts of a rich historical legacy with its collection of objects like the granite cross, altar, bells, articles used in the Holy Mass etc. carved in granite and wood metal. Thousands of devotees flock to the church for the feast of St. Sebastian which was started in the year 1647. The flag hoisting ceremony marking the beginning of the festival and is held on 19th. During the festival days, the statue of St. Sebastian is taken out for public veneration. The procession sees a rich conflux of spiritual exercises and spectacular events. The spectacular display of fireworks, the music of different band groups, beaded ornate umbrellas, different types of crosses made of gold, silver, bronze, and wood make the procession an event cherished by people.