Thamukku Perunnal begins

TRIPUNITHURA: The annual Thamukku Perunnal of Karingachira St George Jacobite Syrian Cathedral, the well-known Georgian Pigrim Centre, began here on Thursday.Kochi Diocese Metropolitan Joseph Mar Gregorious hoisted the holy flag to mark the formal beginning of the fest. The Perunnal is observed to remember the installation of the holy remains of Eldho Mar Baselios. Fr Shammi John Eramangalathu, Fr Roy Paul Vettikkaattil, Fr Varghese Pulayath, Fr  Sebu Paul and others participated in the ceremony.The main highlight of the fest is the offering of thamukku, a unique mix of plantain, gaggery and sugar. On Friday, Knanaya Diocese supremo Kuriakose Mar Ivanios will lead the Holy Mass at 7.45 am.On Saturday, prayer will begin at 6.45 am. Joseph Mar Gregorios will be the chief celebrant of the Holy Mass at 7 am.