A big Lorry loaded with Karimbu was spotted this morning infront of my house. Finally a sigh of relief for us. We wait for these sights and sounds of Perunnal every year. The climax happens in the last days to the countdown to Oct 23rd. The church and surroundings will be abuzz with all sought of goodies. Balloons, Toys, Bangle and Mala shops, Pop corn, Karimbu juice shops, Halwa and other sweets, Simla Mirch and Chili Gobi etc. Ice cream and Kappalandi vendors, street hawkers, Circus, Zoo, Giant wheel, Marana Kinar, Toy train and last but not the least, the crowd.... swinging back and forth. That is Malakayude Perunnal.
The sights and sounds of Perunnal since my childhood. A thrilling experience. The Ambu and Vala ghoshayatra at midnight and finally the Fireworks exploding and shattering the sound barriers and your eardrum as well.
For the pious it is ofcourse St. Raphael and the spiritual atmosphere in the church which is memorable. 23 and 24 Oct every year for Ollur Nasranis is the peak of their festivities.
