Arthunkal is synonymous with its church that has a Roman martyr named St.Sebastian as its patron. The feast of St.Sebastian is a grand celebration that stretches over two weeks in January starting from the 20th January. Devotees from all over Kerala visit the church. A procession carrying a statue of St.Sebastian from the church to the beach opposite and back, is the most prominent ritual on the occasion. Interestingly, every year an eagle is seen hovering overhead in the course of the procession. The eagle has also become a part of the legend of St.Sebastian as the guardian saint of the village.
On the first day of the feast, the doors of the church are opened at dawn and thousands of devotees, includung pilgrims from the Hindu temple of Sabarimala throng the church to pay homage to St.Sebastian. It is believed that the saint has the power to heal the maimed, crippled and those with mental disorders. Many devotees express their gratitude by crawling on their knees, a ritual known as 'Urulunercha', on the road leading in from the beach to the church. Many also make offerings of replicas of metal bells and arrows.
On the first day of the feast, the doors of the church are opened at dawn and thousands of devotees, includung pilgrims from the Hindu temple of Sabarimala throng the church to pay homage to St.Sebastian. It is believed that the saint has the power to heal the maimed, crippled and those with mental disorders. Many devotees express their gratitude by crawling on their knees, a ritual known as 'Urulunercha', on the road leading in from the beach to the church. Many also make offerings of replicas of metal bells and arrows.
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