St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church
The 'Feast of the Nativity of St.Mary’, more popularly known as ‘Ettunombu’ (Eight Day Lent) is the annual festival of St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Cathedral in Manarcad. Celebrated from September 1st – September 8th every year, this historic festival is attended by people from all around the world.
A grand procession known as 'Rasa', that takes place on the sixth day of the festival is the highpoint of the celebration. Attended by hundreds of thousands of people carrying 'Muthukudas' (ornate parasols), gold and silver crosses and accompanied by orchestras, the 'Manarcad Rasa' is considered as one of the biggest and most participated ceremonial processions in Asia. The seventh day is marked by 'Nadathurakkal', where the covered portrait of Mother Mary and Child Jesus kept in the sanctum sanctorum is unveiled for the devotees. This holy image is kept on public display till September 14, when it will be veiled again for another year. Lakhs of people throng the shrine to be a witness of this sacred event. 'Pachor', a sweet offering, is prepared on the eighth day of the feast. Made out of 8000 kilograms of rice and proportionate amounts of jaggery and coconut, this holy sweet is served in the afternoon to all devotees.
All roads literally lead to Manarcad during 'Ettunombu' as special bus and taxi services are arranged and traffic regulated to accommodate the heavy influx of people streaming towards the church. People camp out at the church all through out the day and night, as the all-pervading atmosphere of faith and belief acts as a balm to soothe one’s weary soul.
