Feast at Edathua Church
Story Dated: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 22:2 hrs IST
Venue: St.George's Church, Edathua, about 23 km southeast of Alappuzha town, South Kerala.
Event Date: 27 Apr to 7 May 2006 27 Apr to 7 May 2007 27 Apr to 7 May 2008 27 Apr to 7 May 2009 27 Apr to 7 May 2010
Built on the banks of the Pamba river, this massive shrine at Edathua, resembles the churches of medieval Europe. The annual feast here starts on April 27 with the hoisting of the flag and concludes on the May 7.
During the feast, the statue of St.George, decked in gold, is carried out and placed on the dais in the centre of the basilica. All prayers and related rituals are conducted here during these days. Processions were held everyday, and dazzling fireworks display highlighted in the initial as well as concluding day's rituals.
Devotees from all parts of the state attend the festival. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds swarm with vendors and stalls setting all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewellery. There are cultural performances every evening. The Edathua feast is held from April 27 to May 7 every year.
Getting there
Nearest railway stations : Thiruvalla about 12 km; Alappuzha about 24 km.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.
