Edapally Church Feast: Millions of People Offering Chicken

I first visited the famous Edapally Church Feast a few years ago with very little knowledge about the traditions associated with it. While I had heard about the massive crowds and celebrations, it was my friend George, a member of the church, who introduced me to two unique customs that make the festival special—Kozhi Nercha (Chicken Offering) and Kanji Nercha.

This year, we decided to return to St. George Forane Church, Edapally, to experience the festival once again and understand these traditions in greater detail.

We visited the church on 10th May and started the day by attending the Holy Mass. The atmosphere was filled with devotion as thousands of believers gathered from different parts of Kerala and beyond to participate in the feast celebrations.

One of the most heartwarming experiences of the day was witnessing Kanji Nercha. My friend George and his family prepared kanji using nearly 25 kilograms of rice and distributed it free of cost to visitors. They were not alone. Several families had set up similar arrangements and were offering kanji to pilgrims throughout the day.

According to local belief and tradition, this practice may have started many decades ago when pilgrims travelled long distances to attend the feast and often stayed around the church for several days. Families living nearby welcomed these visitors by preparing and serving kanji as an act of hospitality. Over time, this simple gesture evolved into an important offering associated with the feast.

Later, we headed to one of the church grounds nearby where another fascinating tradition was taking place—Kozhi Nercha.

The sight was unlike anything I had seen before. Hundreds of families had set up temporary firewood stoves and outdoor cooking stations. From early morning until late evening, people prepared different varieties of chicken dishes in large vessels and traditional cookware. There were easily more than a hundred firewood cooking setups operating simultaneously.

Many of the chickens used for the offering are traditionally obtained through auctions conducted by the church. Since the demand is much higher than the number available through auction, many families source chickens from elsewhere and continue the tradition in the same spirit.

While there are different stories about the origin of Kozhi Nercha, one explanation often shared by locals is that pilgrims who stayed around the church for several days would purchase auctioned chickens and cook them nearby for their meals. Over the years, this practice gradually transformed into a ritual observed during the feast.

What impressed me most was not just the scale of the event but the sense of community surrounding it. Families cooked together, shared food, welcomed visitors, and carried forward traditions that have survived across generations.

The following day, we joined thousands of believers for the Pradakshinam (religious procession). The colourful rally moved through the streets around the church, accompanied by prayers, devotional songs, decorated floats, and an atmosphere of celebration. Watching thousands of people participate with such faith and devotion was a memorable experience.

The annual feast of St. George Forane Church, Edapally, is one of the most important Christian festivals in Kerala. Usually celebrated between late April and mid-May, the festival attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The feast is known for its religious ceremonies, processions, Kozhi Nercha, Kanji Nercha, and the strong sense of community participation that defines the celebrations.

• Arrive early, especially during weekends and the final days of the feast.
• Parking can be difficult during peak festival days.
• Visit both the church premises and nearby grounds where Kozhi Nercha takes place.
• If possible, attend the Pradakshinam to experience the scale of the celebrations.
• Carry drinking water and be prepared for large crowds.

St. George Forane Church, Edapally
Edapally, Ernakulam, Kerala

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpdLjderUJCxpLrz8

The Edapally Church Feast is much more than a religious festival. It is a celebration of faith, hospitality, community, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Whether you visit for the spiritual experience, the cultural significance, or simply to understand Kerala’s unique traditions, the feast offers an experience unlike any other.