Believers in the Central Travancore district of Pathanamthitta observed Palm Sunday with religious fervour today.
Special service was offered as part of the Palm Sunday celebrations at various churches in the forenoon. Believers took out processions around the church, holding tender leaves of coconut palm (kuruthola) as part of the celebrations.
The Palm Sunday, also known as `Osana-Njayar’ and `Kuruthola Perunaal’, marks the beginning of the Holy Week that recalls the last days of Jesus Christ.
The special Palm Sunday service at the St John’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Thiruvalla was led by the vicar, Fr Shaji Vazhayil.
The special service at the St Peter’s Cathedral in Pathanamthitta was led by Bishop Youhanon Mar Chrysostum in the morning.
Sacred Heart Church at Mylapra, Makkamkunnu, St George Orthodox Church in Pathanamthitta town, St George Orthodox Church at Konni, St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church at Thumpamon, St Thomas Knanaya Church at Ranni, Maraymatha Feronah Church in Pathanamthitta, St Thomas Malankara Catholic Church at Kanjirappara, St Mary’s Orthodox Church in Thiruvalla, St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church at Parumala, Kallooppara St Mary’s Orthodox Church, St Thomas Malankara Catholic Church at Vennikkulam, St Mary’s Catholic Church at Kumbazha, St Augastine Catholic Church at Kaipattoor and Thirumoolapuram St Thomas Catholic Church near Thiruvalla were among the churches where Palm Sunday was observed with added fervour.
Mathews Mar Themotheos Metropolitan led the Palm Sunday special service at Konni St George Orthodox Church.
Believers also carried crosses made of tender palm leaves in the procession. They believe that keeping the palm leaves they received from the church at their home, work place or business places till the next Palm Sunday will bring them good luck in the year ahead.
The Holy Week observation ends with believers celebrating the resurrection of Christ on Easter day.
