Edathua Perunnal

About Edathua Perunnal

St George’s Forane Church is loacated at Edathua, Alappuzha District, Kerala.Edathua Perunnal is the one of the most famous church festival in Kerala, God’s own country.Edathua Perunnal Kerala is celebrated at St, George’s Church, Edathua about 23 km southeast of Alappuzha town. This is a well recognized form of local festivals which is held around the time of the summer season. It is seen that the tentative date is between April to May. Edathua Perunnal Kerala which should ritualistically be held between April 27 and May 7 are really splendid. It is considered to be a real visual treat for the tourists who flock at the spots during the festive season.All prayers and related rituals are conducted here during these days. Devotees from all parts of the state attend the festival. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds swarm with vendors and stalls, selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry. There are cultural performances every evening. A zealous and vibrant community of faithful, comprising of nearly two thousand families have nurtured it as the apple of their eye, transforming Edathua in to a prominent pilgrim center in South India.

On the Annual day, the image of the saint, decked in gold is carried out in procession to be placed on the dais at the centre of the basilica. Processions and cultural performances are held everyday including dazzling firework displays in the initial as well as during the concluding days. Another highlight of the festival is the swarming of vendors and stalls in the premises of the church, selling all kinds of things from food items to utensils. Devotees from all parts of the state attend the feast which lasts for one month.As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds swarm with vendors and stalls, selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry. There are cultural performances every evening. Edathua Perunnal Kerala is one such festival which is a real crowd puller in the state.

Interesting things to Visit

Edathua Church:

The Edathua Church, a massive shrine on the banks of the river Pamba, is dedicated to St.George. This is a video clip of the recently concluded annual feast (Perunnal) at the Church.

Karumadi:

Only three kilometers east of Alleppey is the village of Karumadi. There is a large black granite statue there that is very famous. This sculpture is known as the Karumadi Kuttan. This statue is a left over remnant from the days that the Buddha religion was very popular in the region. Historians say that this black Buddha was carved in either the 9th or 10th century.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 0477 2222222.

Mavelikara Police Station
Mavelikkara, Kerala.

Nedumudy Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Ambalapuzha Police Station
Ambalapulai, Kerala.

Thrikkunnapuzha Police Station
Thattarambalam Thrikkunnapuzha Road
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

AncySibi Pandisserry House
Ramankary, Alappuzha
Kerala 689595
Tel: 09780892400.

Central Research Institute For Homeopathy
Chethipuzha Kurichy Road
Kerala.

Hail Mary Hospital
Near Perumpilly Church
Mulanthuruthy, Ernakulam
Kerala 680314
Tel: 0484 2740315.

Ranjini Eye Hospital
Near Powerhouse, Vyttila
Kochi, Cochin
Kerala 682019
Tel: 0484 2301922 – 09746400936.

Vijaya Insitute Of Medical Sciences
Kamadhenu Apartments
Kadavanthra - Kaloor Road
Kadavanthara, Kochi
Kerala 682020
Tel: 0484 2205261.

Location info

• Address: Edathua, Alappuzha District, Kerala, India.

• District: Alappuzha District.

• Nearest City: Pazhaveedu, Cherthala, Ambalapuzha, Kuttanad, and Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: April to May.

Things to do at Edathua Perunnal

Watch the Processions and cultural performances are held everyday including dazzling firework displays.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Edathua Perunnal

Edathua Perunnal takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Edathua Perunnal

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Edathua Perunnal — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Edathua Perunnal

Edathua Perunnal is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.