Panchayat/ Municipality/ Chenkal Panchayat Corporation

LOCATION District Thiruvananthapuarm

Nearest Town/ Pottayilkada – 1Km Landmark/ Junction

Nearest Bus Statio Pottayilkada Bus Stop – 1Km

Nearest Railway Neyyattinkara Statio South Railway Station – 11.8 Km ACCESSIBILITY Nearest Airport International Airport –34.1 Km

Blessed Devasahayam Pilla Idichakkaplamoodu Plamoottukada Rd, Pottayilkada-695122 Thiruvananthapuram CONTACT Phone: 0417-2215117,+91-954-444-8986

DATES FREQUENCY DURATION

TIME January 15th Annual 10 Days

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL (Legend/History/Myth)

This feast is celebrated in the remembrance of Blessed Devasahayam . Devasahayam Pillai converted from to in the southern part of during 18th century . Devasahayam Pillai (named Neelakanta Pillai at birth) was born into a higher caste family in the Nair matriarchal traditions of the day, Devasahayam Pillai was raised by his maternal uncle, and was inculcated with Hindu beliefs and traditions early onwards . Devasahayam went into the service of the royal palace as a young man. When he came under the influence of Dutch naval commander, Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, instructed him in the Catholic faith.

Local About 3,000 RELEVANCE- NO. OF PEOPLE (Local / National / International) PARTICIPATED EVENTS/PROGRAMS DESCRIPTION (How festival is celebrated)

Special Prayers Flag hoisting

Procession Flag hoisting ceremony marks the first day of the festival . Dhanam Religious discourses and special prayers are conducted Japamala during the festive days. January 15th, feast day is celebrated Qurbana with greater importance. Procession which covers major Novena part of town is also an important event. Special offering of Cultural Programs blessed oil, snack and manual work equipment are held. Adoration Special offering