Parumala Ormaperunnal

Parumala Perunnal, the glorious Christian festival celebrated in Kerala is one of the most famous celebrations held in the evergreen state of India. Parumala Perunnal is also called as “Ormaperunnal” (commemoration day). This annual Perunnal or feast at the Parumala Church in Thiruvalla is celebrated to commemorate the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala. The bishop is interred in the church. Parumala Perunnal is a festival where life at Kerala comes to halt. Parumala Perunnal is celebrated at a convenient place making it easier for the tourists to reach the place and find grace in the occasion in Kerala at Parumala St. Peter's & St. Paul's Orthodox Church, Parumala, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District.

Parumala is a famous centre of worship for all the religious communities in kerala and the largest pilgrimage centre for christians in kerala. During this feast, there is a ceremonial procession through the town, attended by devotees from all over the State. All prayers and related rituals are conducted here during these days with great enthusiasm. Devotees from all parts of the state attend the festival. There are cultural performances every evening. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds swarm with vendors and stalls, selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry. Parumala Perunnal is one such festival which is a real crowd puller in the state.

November 1 and 2 are the main feast days .During this Ormaperunnal (commemorative feast), special prayers are offered and rituals are performed.
Parumala Church
The most important of the spiritual centers of the Malankara is the Tomb of His Holiness the "Parumala Thirumeni". The Church was constructed as a result of the efforts of Parumala Geevarghese Mar Gregorios. On 27 January 1825 a provisional consecration of the Church was conducted. Later, on 19 August 1912 His Holiness Abdheth Misheha, the Patriarch consecrated the Parumala Church. The Church is built and named after the Apostle St. Peter and St. Paul. The burial place of Yuyakim Mar Ivanios can also be seen here.

Here on Fridays the Holy Qurbana with three celebrants (Munninmel) is conducted and meditative discourse is given. During the day of 'Pentecost' the 'tarrying Meet' and during the '3 day Fast' and the 'Lenten season', 'Meditation Meets' are conducted. November 1 and 2 are the main feast days. In connection with this feast a whole week is being observed as 'Pilgrimage Week'. Various Seminars are conducted and lectures given.

The Church is situated 1/2 a K.m away to the east from the Mannar Junction and is 10 Kms towards the south from Tiruvalla on Thiruvalla- Mavelikara Road and 9 K.ms towards the north from Mavelikara.

Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla, about 11 km away.
Nearest airports: Cochin International Airport, about 105 km from Thiruvalla.