Feast of Mary @ Vallarpadam 2009

They had speakers wired all over the place. Announcements and hymns were thus audible everywhere helping folks with notices of facilities and timings. This speaker I found at the bus stop on the Vypeen road, so far away from the church. I was pleasantly surprised.

The pink arch near the bus stop was beautiful too, so was the "Joy Alukkas" shopping emporium at my second bus stop on my 12 kilo meter long bus ride back home.

Feast of Mary @ Vallarpadam 2009

Probably by next year, the renovation work will be over and this could be the last feast at the old settings. But then, Vallarpadam is growing in leaps and bounds, every year is going to be a new feast..:)

Feast of Mary @ Vallarpadam 2009

In the early days, devotees used to boat up to this jetty towards the south of the church from the neighbouring villages and also from far and wide. Mostly all sea faring folks came from all along the shores to visit Mary at Vallarpadam. They were here this year too, but by bus and other land means.

The old jetty was full with weeds, this morning.. a water lilly stood out, smiling with memories...:)

Feast of Mary @ Vallarpadam 2009

What are festivals without fares, only I choose the wrong day to take pictures. The main fare is around the September 24th, the day of the Real feast, Mary's birthday.

Feast of Mary @ Vallarapadam

The big old tree in front of the church and the overcast October sky from right under the tree.

Feast of Mary at Vallarpadam 2009

Rain washed "Meenakshi Amma's" foot path.. of faith!!

Feast of Mary @ Vallarpadam 2009

To accommodate the crowd visiting the church all arrangements were made to facilitate the "adima" Nercha. The red carpeted landing near the cemetery was a help indeed.