Manarcad (pronounced Ma - nar- cad) is a small town in Kottayam district of Kerala state, South India. It is known for the Manarcad Perunnal, the annual feast at the St. Mary's Church, which is usually held from September 1-8 (during the 8-Day Lent). It is located about 9 km from the town of Kottayam and is on the way to tourist town of Thekkady. People The majority of the population depends on agriculture, but recently there is not much agricultural land. Manarcad has now become a suburb of the Kottayam town, and a good residential area. Manarcad is one of the most densely populated villages in Kerala. The Rasa (a type of religious procession) during the feast of the St. Mary's Church here, which is held in September of every year is known as one of the biggest Rasas in Asia. Manarcad Temple festival is in the month of January and April (Pathamudayam) every year. Culture Manarcad church has been declared as a pilgrimage center of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Majority of its population is Christian, belonging to the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox, Malankara Orthodox, Marthoma, Pentecostal and Brethren communities. Main Churches are Manarcad St.Mary's Jacobite Church, Vadakamanoor Orthodox Church, Church Of God Gilgal Maalam and Brethren Assembly Maalam. Economy Nowadays, NRIs (Non Resident Indians) act as the financial backbone for this small urban village. Agriculture Rubber, pineapple, pepper and coconut plantations contribute to the agricultural income. Few paddy fields remain unaltered. Media Kolo Suryoyo is a publication by St Mary's youth association, Manarcad. It is a popular Christian Magazine. Margadeepthi magazine is also publishing from Manarcad. Hospital Ministry Of India Manarcadu Cell published "Neeravu". Main attractions Manarcad St. Mary's Church, Manarcad Devi Temple, Vijayapuram Srikrishna Temple Vennimala, Paalamuri bridge and Nalumanikatu (a road side recreational park near Manarcaud). Festivals Main festivals in this area are Manarcad palli perunnal (the Ettu Nombu at Manarcad church). Pathamudayam (a ten-day festivity at Bhagavathi temple), Nadathurakkal (Manarcad church), Pattukalam Koodicha (a 41-day festival at Bhagavathi temple), Kumbha Bharani ( a one-day festival at Bhagavathi temple) and Meena Bharani (a one-day festival at bhagavathi temple), procession during Sreekrishna Jayanthi at vijayapuram sreekrishna swamy temple. The bhagavathi temple is believed to be older than 2000 years. People from all religions take part in church and temple events with harmony. Other attractions is a procession (Rasa) in the Manarcad St. Mary's church, which is considered to