Every year, the ancient city of Kochi witnesses one of the most spectacular Christian celebrations in South India — the Edappally Palli Perunnal, the grand feast of St. George at the historic St. George's Syro-Malabar Forane Church. In 2026, the Edappally Church Festival once again promises to draw millions of devotees, pilgrims, and visitors from across Kerala, India, and the world. If you are planning to attend or simply want to learn about this magnificent festival, this guide covers everything — Edappally Palli Perunnal 2026 dates, rituals, history, offerings, procession schedule, and how to reach the church.
What Is Edappally Perunnal?
Edappally Palli Perunnal (also spelled Edapally Palli Perunnal) is the annual feast of St. George celebrated at the St. George's Syro-Malabar Forane Church in Edappally, Kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala. The word Perunnal means "feast" in Malayalam, and Palli means "church" — making Edappally Palli Perunnal literally the "Great Feast of Edappally Church."
The festival, locally known as Edappally Thirunnal or Edappally Thirunnal Mahamaham, is considered one of the biggest church festivals in Central Kerala. It spans three weeks of religious observances, novenas, adoration hours, solemn masses, and grand processions. The Edappally Church Perunnal 2026 follows the same sacred traditions passed down through the centuries — beginning with the hoisting of the festival flag on April 25 and concluding on May 15, 2026.
Edappally Palli Perunnal 2026 Date & Full Schedule
The Edappally Church Festival 2026 follows a well-established liturgical calendar. Here is the complete event schedule for Edappally Perunnal 2026:
| Date (2026) | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| April 25 | Saturday | Perunnal Flag Hoisting (Kodimaram / Festival Flag) |
| April 25 – May 2 | – | 40 Hours Adoration & 9-Day Novena begins |
| May 1 | Friday | Grand Procession of Roopakoodu (Statue of St. George) |
| May 3 | Sunday | Main Feast Day 1 – Solemn Mass & Grand Procession |
| May 4 | Monday | Main Feast Day 2 – Solemn Mass & Procession |
| May 10 | Sunday | Octave Feast Day 1 |
| May 11 | Monday | Octave Feast Day 2 |
| May 15 | Friday | Festival Concludes |
History of Edappally Church – Asia's Largest St. George Church
To truly appreciate the Edappally Church Festival, one must understand the extraordinary history of the church that hosts it. St. George's Syro-Malabar Forane Church, Edappally — locally called Edappally Palli — is not merely a place of worship. It is a living monument to 14 centuries of continuous Christian heritage in Kerala.
Founded in 593 AD
The church is believed to have been founded in 593 AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Kerala, following the seven churches established by St. Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century AD. The earliest church was built by Syrian Christian families from Paravur who had to travel long distances to the Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Syro-Malabar Church for worship. The land for the church was generously donated by the Raja of Edappally (Elangalloor Swaroopam).
Originally Dedicated to the Virgin Mary
In its earliest form, the church was dedicated to Marth Mariam (Virgin Mary). As the Christian congregation in Edappally grew significantly over the centuries, a newer and larger church was built adjacent to the original structure in 1080 AD. This grand expansion church eventually came to be associated with and dedicated to St. George, after he was declared the patron saint of England.
Asia's Largest Shrine to St. George
Today, St. George's Forane Church, Edappally holds the remarkable distinction of being Asia's largest shrine dedicated to Saint George. Approximately five million devotees visit the church every year, making it one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in all of Asia. The church conducts over 100,000 Holy Masses every year on its sacred grounds.
A prominent feature of the church is the iconic statue of St. George mounted on horseback, depicting the saint slaying a serpent beneath his horse's hooves — a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. The church also features a miraculous perennial well, believed to contain healing waters, which has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Quick Facts – St. George's Forane Church, Edappally
| Founded | 593 AD (one of Kerala's oldest churches) |
| Type | Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church |
| Distinction | Asia's largest shrine dedicated to St. George |
| Annual Visitors | ~5 million pilgrims per year |
| Holy Masses | 100,000+ per year |
| Location | Palarivattom–Edappally Road, Ponekkara, Edappally, Kochi – 682024 |
| Phone | +91 484 234 4538 |
Edappally Perunnal 2026 – Rituals, Traditions & Significance
The Edappally Palli Perunnal is a deeply layered festival where ancient customs, religious devotion, and community life intertwine. Each element of the festival carries profound spiritual significance.
1. Kodimaram – The Flag Hoisting Ceremony (April 25)
The Edappally Perunnal 2026 officially begins with the hoisting of the festival flag (Kodimaram) on April 25, 2026. This ceremonial flag hoisting signals the commencement of the sacred feast season and is witnessed by thousands of faithful devotees gathered at the church premises.
2. 40 Hours Adoration & 9-Day Novena
Following the flag hoisting, the church enters a period of intense spiritual preparation. The 40 Hours Adoration and a 9-day Novena mark the commencement of the festival, during which special prayers, adoration, and masses are conducted every day leading up to the main feast days. This preparatory period is considered essential to the spiritual character of the Edappally Church Festival.
3. Roopakoodu Procession – The Grand Statue Procession (May 1)
One of the most visually spectacular events of the Edappally Perunnal is the Roopakoodu Procession on May 1, 2026. The Thiruswaroopam (sacred statue) of St. George — widely venerated as Edappally Punyalan — believed to possess divine powers, is adorned with gold ornaments donated by devoted pilgrims and placed on an intricately carved wooden Roopakoodu (a palanquin-style ornamental carrier). This is then placed upon a grand teak chariot decorated with scenes from the Bible. The procession winds its way through the streets of Edappally, taking more than an hour to complete. Devoted pilgrims shower the procession route with betel leaves and puffed rice as a mark of reverence.
4. Main Feast Days – May 3 & May 4, 2026
The Edappally Palli Perunnal 2026 reaches its glorious climax on May 3 and May 4. Tens of thousands of pilgrims — from Ernakulam, Thrissur, and far beyond — gather at the church for solemn High Masses and the colourful grand processions that define these feast days. The atmosphere is electric, with the fragrance of incense, the sound of church bells, and the chanting of prayers filling the air across the entire neighbourhood.
5. The Octave – May 10 & May 11, 2026
Eight days after the main feast, the church celebrates the Octave on May 10 and May 11, 2026. The Octave feast is a continuation of the celebration, offering devotees who could not attend the main feast days another opportunity to seek the blessings of St. George.
6. Traditional Offerings (Nercha)
The offering tradition at Edappally Palli Perunnal is unique and deeply rooted in the local belief system. St. George is revered as the saint who protects devotees from snake bites and reptile attacks. Accordingly, the primary traditional offering is live fowl (hens and chicks). Devotees rear chicks throughout the year with the intention of offering them to the church during the Perunnal. The fowl are auctioned at the church grounds, after which devotees cook the offered birds right on the church premises itself. Other offerings include eggs, gold figurines, and symbolic items representing snakes and reptiles. The Nercha Kall (offering stones) near the church are sites of great devotional significance.
7. Somapanam
Somapanam is a symbolic act of faith unique to the Edappally Church tradition. It is a meaningful ritual performed by pilgrims as an expression of deep devotion, enriching the pilgrim experience at the Edappally Church Festival.
How to Reach Edappally Church for Perunnal 2026
- By Air: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) is approximately 22 km from the church. Taxis and app cabs are readily available.
- By Metro: Edappally Metro Station (Kochi Metro) is just 600 metres from the church — the most convenient option during the festival.
- By Train: Ernakulam South (Junction) Railway Station is 7.5 km away. Autos, cabs, and buses connect directly to Edappally.
- By Road: The church is located on Palarivattom–Edappally Road, near the Edappally bypass junction on NH 47/NH 17. KSRTC and city buses from all major Ernakulam points halt near the church.
- Address: St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Palarivattom–Edappally Road, Ponekkara, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala – 682024.