Pala: Rakkuli Thirunal and Church History

Religious traditions and the historic role of the market offer different ways to explore Pala. A festival held every January stands alongside a dated foundation stone and the later sequence of names and status of St Thomas Church. The market’s former role in pepper production and marketing is also part of the town’s history.

Rakkuli Thirunal in January

The main festival of St Thomas Church in Pala is called Rakkuli Thirunal; Danaha and Epiphany are also names for this celebration. It takes place every year on January 5 and 6. The Mala Unthu Procession is part of the festival on January 6. Two timeframes should therefore be distinguished: the recurring celebration spans both days in January, while the procession takes place on the second day. If you are planning your trip around this occasion, the dates provide a concrete starting point; however, you should still check that year’s schedule in advance, as individual arrangements may vary.

Church history: foundation stone and sequence of names

The history of the first church in Pala is precisely dated: its foundation stone was laid on July 3, 1002, on the southern bank of the Meenachil. St Thomas Church in Pala is also known as “Pala Pally”; later, it became “Valiapally” and was subsequently elevated to cathedral status. The town’s history thus brings together two types of information: a specific place and date for the laying of the foundation stone, and a sequence of names and ecclesiastical ranks for St Thomas Church.

For your planning, these details are not equivalent: 1002 is the date of the historic foundation stone, while January 5 and 6 mark the annual festival days. This makes it possible to distinguish an interest in church history from choosing a stay around the celebration.

Jubilee Festival and Amalolbhava Matha

The Feast of the Immaculate Virgin Mary is also called the Jubilee Festival of Pala and has come to be regarded as a national festival of Pala. Another point of interest is the Amalolbhava Matha Chapel. It is located in the heart of Pala, has attracted considerable attention, and is considered a landmark of the town. The name of a festival and the role of the chapel offer two different points of access: one is a religious celebration, the other a town landmark. This allows you to explore Pala’s religious traditions through both a celebration and a landmark.

The historic role of the market

The market is also part of Pala’s history. It was known as a center for pepper production and marketing. Alongside the religious themes, both the production and marketing of pepper are therefore part of the picture; the market connection adds an economic perspective to the town’s history. Festival days, church names and ranks, and the market’s historic role offer different perspectives on Pala.

Discover more destinations: Kanjirappally, Puthuppally, Anthinad, Ettumanoor, Manimala, Muppaikad, Anthiyalam, Vaikom

For the broader travel overview: Kottayam.