Koratty Muthy Perunnal

Koratty Muthy Thirunal is one of the most prominent Marian pilgrimage festivals in Kerala. Celebrated every year in October (typically starting on the Wednesday preceding or following October 10 and peaking on the weekend following October 10), it draws over a million pilgrims across all castes, creeds, and backgrounds.

Ceremony Order & Major Days

• Kodiyettam (Flag Hoisting): Marks the official commencement of the festival celebrations. The parish priest hoists the festival flag atop the flagstaff, accompanied by prayers and traditional bell tolls.

• Main Thirunal Days: It features solemn high masses led by bishops and priests, devotional songs, and grand grand candlelit processions.

• Exposition of the Sacred Statue (Kuduthurakkal): On the early morning of the main Sunday (around 5:00 AM), the miraculous statue of Koratty Muthy is brought out of the inner sanctum for public veneration.

• Ettamidam (Octave): Celebrated on the 8th day (following weekend), mirroring the main feast rituals for pilgrims who could not attend the primary festival.

• Pathinanchamidam (15th Day): Concludes the half-month long festivities with special thanksgiving masses and lowering of the flag.

Key Traditions & Offerings

• Poovankula Offering: Offering full bunches of Poovan bananas (Poovankula) is the signature ritual at Koratty, symbolizing gratitude for favors received or prayer for health and prosperity.

• Thulabharam: Devotees weigh themselves or their children against Poovan bananas on a large scale balance as a act of self-surrender and fulfillment of vows.

• Adima Submission: Dedicated offering of infants and children to Koratty Muthy's care.

• Knee-Crawling (Muttuzhichil): Pilgrims crawl on their knees along the stone path to the altar as an act of penance and deep prayer.