Maramon Convention

Place: Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District
Date: February

Maramon is about 16km east of Thiruvalla. The Maramon Convention, believed to the largest Christian gathering in Asia, is an assembly of Christians from all over India, who come here to listen to the gospels read and expounded by scholars of christianity throughout India and abroad.

It is held during the month of February on the banks of the river Pamba. Christians arrive with cadjan leaves and bamboo poles and erect a huge "pandal". In the vicinity, tents and sheds are also put up for various purposes. People come in long "valloms" (country boats) with canopies and anchor them down the river at this time. Temporary restaurants, religious book stalls, etc., also appear in the vicinity.