Located
in Edappally, 10 km from Kochi, this Roman Catholic church is one of the
oldest churches in Kerala. It was built in 594 AD in the land donated
by the Raja of Edappally. In 1080, a new church was built adjacent to
the old church. The deity is popular known for his powers of get rid of
snakes.
The annual nine day festival is celebrated in the month of May.
Vendors sell all kinds of wares mainly mud vessels during this festival.
The main offering here is chicken and devotees cook and eat food. This
festival which is commemorated every year on the 4th of May is famous
all over Kerala. The main offering here is chicken and eggs. These chickens
are auctioned during the festival season which the devotees buy as a 'nercha'
(offering) which they cook in the church premises.
The festival begins on 23rd of April with solemn High Mass and
Litany and on 25th flag is hoisted solemnly and ceremoniously. On 4th
the idol of the deity is taken out in a grand procession when people throw
'Pori and beetle leaves as an offering. Band orchestra, different varieties
of 'Panchavadyams' etc accompanied this procession along with the devotees.
The whole compound converts into a commercial venue with shops.
Vendors sell all kinds of wares mainly mud vessels during this festival.