Every year, the Edathua Church in South Kerala celebrates its patron saint, St George, with a feast of gluttonous proportions and an accompanying festival that lasts for 11 days.
The church, established in 1810 and modelled on the medieval churches of Europe, is a massive shrine on the banks of the river Pamba. It is believed in this part of the world that St George is particularly good at helping to heal mental disorders as well as other ailments. To this end, pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit in great numbers to seek his blessing and enjoy the festival.
The statue of St George is of course the centre of attention, and for the occasion it is decked in gold and carried out in a grand procession, then placed on the dais at the centre of the Basilica where it reigns over proceedings for the duration of the feast.
Processions are held daily with firework displays, music, dance and other performances, while vendors gather in the church grounds to sell food, trinkets and jewellery.
The statue of St George is of course the centre of attention, and for the occasion it is decked in gold and carried out in a grand procession, then placed on the dais at the centre of the Basilica where it reigns over proceedings for the duration of the feast.
Processions are held daily with firework displays, music, dance and other performances, while vendors gather in the church grounds to sell food, trinkets and jewellery.
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