Manarcad Perunal is the annual feast at
St Mary's Church in
Manarcad. Also known as Ettunombu Perunal (eight day prayer and fasting), it is mainly celebrated by the Christian community of
Kerala from 1st to 8th September. Every year the retreat and fast begins on the first day of September. During Manarcad Perunal, the pilgrims observing the fast have to stay in the church from morning till night. Muthukkuda (highly embellished silken parasols) is the main offering of the church. The church has a holy tank and a golden cross, which are considered sacred. There will be a special offering of rice boiled in coconut milk on the eighth day of the festival. Processions, accompanied by thousands of devotees holding muthukkudas, are held on the last three days of the feast. A fair is also organized during these days.
