Manarkad Perunnal is the annual feast at the St.Mary's Church at Manarkad. Known as Ettnombu Perunnal (literally the eight day prayer and fasting), this is the feast of immaculate conception celebrated by the Christian community of Kerala from 1st to 8th September. The retreat and fast begins on the first of September every year. Pilgrims observing the fast stay in the church from morning till night during these days. The main kanikka or offering of the church is muthukkuda (highly embellished silken parasols). The church has a holy tank and a golden cross which are considered sacred. On the last three days of the feast processions are held with golden crosses and accompanied by thousands of devotees holding richly decorated parasols or muthukkudas. There were nearly five thousand muthukkudas this year
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