Thirunal at Mapranam Church, Thrissur District

Date: 13-15 Sept 2024

The church festival, feast on Exaltation of Cross at Holy Cross Church, Mapranam is celebrated during these days, the important day being 14th. Offering of human size candles is a rare function here and is performed on 13th evening at St John Chapel or Kurisu Kappela, near the main road. This is known as Thiritheliyikkal. Many numbers of candles, huge and small are being lit up every year on this day by devotees from different religions. Processions with Holy cross, cultural programmes and fireworks are the other attractions during the festival days.

The Holy Cross Church in Mapranam is believed to be established in AD 928 and reconstructed in 1989. During the year in 1887 and 1888, the church received three holy remnants from Vatican. In 2008, the church has got the status of shrine under the Diocese and a Historical Pilgrim Centre by Govt. of Kerala.

The Church is situated at Mapranam, in Thrissur district.  On Thrissur - Irinjalakkuda road, it is 8km from Thrissur and 3.5km from Irinjalakkuda to Mapranam St John Chapel. It is just one kilometer from here to the Holy Cross Shrine.