Malayattoor Perunnal, also known as the Malayattoor Church Feast, is a major Christian pilgrimage and festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, especially by Syro-Malabar Catholics. It commemorates the apostolic visit of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, to Malayattoor hill and his prayers atop the hill. The festival is celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Easter.

Malayattoor Perunnal 2025 Date

• Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
• Weekday: First Sunday after Easter
• Location: Malayattoor, Ernakulam District, Kerala

The Perunnal draws tens of thousands of devotees who climb the hill chanting “Ponninkurisumalaayil Aadheenam thozhunnean” (I adore the cross of gold on the hill).

Significance of Malayattoor Perunnal

Malayattoor Perunnal is celebrated in honor of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have come to India in 52 A.D. to preach the gospel. According to tradition:

• He reached Malayattoor, a place nestled on the banks of the River Periyar.
• He faced severe opposition and took refuge on a hill where he prayed and left his footprints on a rock.
• This sacred hill is now a pilgrimage site known as Malayattoor Kurisumudi (Hill of the Holy Cross).

The church at the top is considered one of the eight international shrines in the world dedicated to St. Thomas.

Rituals and Observances

• Pilgrimage Trek: Devotees climb the Kurishumudi hill (approx. 1,260 ft high) barefoot as a penance and spiritual offering.
• Carrying Wooden Crosses: Pilgrims carry wooden crosses of various sizes during the trek, symbolizing their prayers, burdens, and devotion.
• Holy Masses and Confession: Special Holy Masses and confessions are conducted in multiple languages including Malayalam, English, and Tamil.
• Lighting Candles and Oil Lamps: Devotees light candles and oil lamps along the path and at the summit, especially near the sacred footprint rock and water spring.
• Offering Prayers: Many climb the hill as a votive offering (Nercha) for fulfilling personal wishes or as a thanksgiving for blessings received.

Malayattoor Church and Kurisumudi Hill

• Malayattoor Church, also called Malayattoor St. Thomas International Shrine, lies at the base of the hill.
• Kurisumudi, the sacred hilltop, houses a small chapel and the spot believed to bear the footprint of St. Thomas.
• A natural spring, said to have miraculously appeared at the Apostle’s touch, flows here and is considered holy water.

Unique Features of the Festival

• Ecumenical Participation: Though rooted in Catholic tradition, people of all faiths partake in the pilgrimage.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: The church authorities encourage plastic-free, eco-conscious pilgrimages.
• Night Trekking: Many devotees climb the hill at night or during the early hours, chanting hymns and holding lighted candles.
• Special Lenten Observance: The Perunnal season includes Lenten devotions, Way of the Cross, and spiritual retreats leading up to Easter and beyond.

How to Reach Malayattoor

• Nearest Town: Kalady (birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya)
• Nearest Railway Station: Angamaly (approx. 17 km)
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (approx. 15 km)
• Buses, taxis, and autos are available from Angamaly and Aluva.

Pilgrimage Tips

• Wear light and comfortable clothes.
• Carry water and avoid plastic.
• Elderly or unwell pilgrims may use jeeps up to the mid-hill base.
• Avoid loud music or littering the sacred trail.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Easter
• A mark of devotion to St. Thomas the Apostle
• Involves an uphill pilgrimage carrying crosses
• Blends spirituality, natural beauty, and cultural harmony

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This article belongs to our Indian cultural and religious series, exploring traditional festivals. It does not include any content related to adult topics.