New Delhi: Every year on November 2, Kerala commemorates the death of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the first canonised saint of Indian origin who belonged to Kerala's Malankara Orthodox community. The bishop was laid to rest in the church on this day. It is one of the most well-known festivals in South India and is held in the town of Parumala in the Pathanamthitta district. Devotees from all around the state flock to the church grounds to mark this lovely day with special rites and a well-attended, lively parade. On the commemorative day known as Ormaperunnal, devotees give special prayers at the church.


Parumala Perunnal 2022: History


Parumala, a small village in South India, is situated on the banks of the Pampa River. A great saint by the name of Malankara Metropolitan Joseph Mar Dionysius once travelled to these exact locations. He was highly regarded because of his immense wisdom and enchanting aura. His birthplace was Kunnamkulam. He got the idea to build a seminary in this region for the good of all people.


Arikupurathu Mathen Karnavar granted him two acres of land as compensation for this. A building called Azhippura was erected on this specific piece of property with the sole purpose of housing Syriac language instruction. Dionysius finally gave Mar Gregorios the task of effectively carrying out his teachings over the course of time. 


Here, on November 2, 1902, at the age of 54, Mar Gregorios passed away. This church currently houses his tomb. In 1947, the Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan Baselios Geevarghese II declared him a saint of the Church.


Parumala Perunnal 2022: Significance


The distinctive feature of Parumala Perunnal is that the entire event is centred around devotion. There are no cultural events planned for the occasion, unlike other festivals. The celebration stands out because it attracts attendees from all walks of life and communities throughout Kerala, not only Christians. As a result, it acts as a celebration of peace and unity, adding to Kerala's celebrations' allure.


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