Feast of Vallarpadathamma

Feast of Vallarpadathamma is an annual feast conducted in the church of Basilica of our lady of  Ransom, the feast is on 24th September with a week of celebrations starting on 16th of September. It is one of the most famous pilgrims’ centres in India. It is believed that the church was build in 1524 by the Portuguese. Later in 1676, a heavy flood destroyed the old church and the picture of Mary and Infant Jesus which was on the main altar of the church was recovered by Paliyath Raman Valiyachan then Minister of Maharaja of Cochin and he donated the land to build the present church.

Vallarpadathamma is believed to protect her believers from the heavy storm, floods and any dangers of the sea. She is considered as the protector of fisherman and sailors. The feast is celebrated by all people without any discrimination in caste and creed. The week-long celebration is witnessed by a huge crowd every year.