Sabarimala
Temple
The
Sastha temple at Sabarimala, 80 kms. from the District Head quarters,
is one of the major pilgrim centres in South India. Irrespective
of religious beliefs, people from all over India and abroad throng
to this famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa which is surrounded by hazardous
hills like Karimala and Neelimala. The devotees known as Ayyappas
negotiate the hills to reach the shrine after undergoing 41 days
of 'Vrutha' i.e., self imposed devotional penance. The pilgrimage
season, involving Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku comes between
the latter half of November and the former half of January every
year. Ablution in River Pamba is considered as holy 'Ganga Snanam'.
The confluence of Hindu and Muslim deities in the form of Lord
Ayyappa, his lieutenant Vavar makes this esteemed pilgrim centre
a model for communal harmony and castelessnes.
Perumthenaruvi
The
water falls in the Pamba river at Perumthenaruvi attract thousands
of people from inside and outside the district. This is a beautiful
natural waterfall and an ideal place of transit attraction. t
is only 10 kms. from Erumeli. This is a favourite picnic spot
for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Maramon
Convention
The
River Pamba again plays host to a famous annual religious convention
on its golden sands at Maramon. This mammoth religious convention
of the Christians attend by people belonging to all communities
is the largest of its kind in the world. It takes place in February
every year and is addressed by speakers of international repute.
The convention lasts for seven days.
Cherukolpuzha
Convention
Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention is another important
annual feature on the river bed of Pamba. This famous Hindu religious
convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed
by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.
Chandanakkudam
Festival
Chandanakkudam Festival of the Jama - Al Mosque at Pathanamthitta
also attracts thousands of devotees. It is held in February every
year. The festivals at Kattur Mosque in Cherukos and Kalamala
mosque near Adoor are also famous.
The
religious conventions and festivals in Pathanamthitta district
are admirable examples of religious amity and communal harmony.
Uthrittathi
Boat Race
The
Uthrittathi Boat Race on the River Pamba near the Parta Sarathy
Temple at Aranmula is annual cultural feat to the tourists and
the people of Kerala. Uthrittathi which comes after every Thiruvonam
in August - September is the day of this prominent cultural event.
The boat race commemorates the crossing of River Pamba by the
Lord Partha Sarathy. All the snake boats in Kerala participate
in the colourful ritual which really is a treat to the eyes.
Arranmula Mirror
The famous metallic mirror of Aranmula is universally noted for
its excellence in craft. Bell metal is tamed, tempered and polished
to give a mirror like reflection. This noted handiwork stands
out as a symbol
of excellence in traditional metallic craft in Kerala.