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{{Short description|Indian Christian festival}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}} | {{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox holiday | {{Infobox holiday | ||
|holiday_name = Pindikuthi Perunnal | |holiday_name = Pindikuthi Perunnal | ||
|nickname = Rakkuli Perunnal | |nickname = Rakkuli Perunnal<ref name="KeralaFolkloreAcademy">{{cite book |last1=Choondal |first1=Chummar |title=Christian Folklore |date=1988 |publisher=Kerala Folklore Academy |pages=230 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UdLYAAAAMAAJ&q=pindikuthi |access-date=31 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="PaurastyaVidyapitham">{{cite book |last1=Moolan |first1=John |title=The Period of Annunciation-nativity in the East Syrian Calendar: Its Background and Place in the Liturgical Year |date=1985 |publisher=Paurastya Vidyapitham |pages=22 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CaMtAAAAMAAJ&q=pindikuthi |language=en}}</ref> | ||
|type = Christian | |type = Christian | ||
|image = File:Pindi Perunnal 2019 In Kunnamkulam 03.jpg | |image = File:Pindi Perunnal 2019 In Kunnamkulam 03.jpg | ||
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|observances = Decoration of plantain trunks with torches, oil lamps and flowers, Ritual bathing in night. | |observances = Decoration of plantain trunks with torches, oil lamps and flowers, Ritual bathing in night. | ||
|significance = Beginning of Epiphany season | |significance = Beginning of Epiphany season | ||
|scheduling = same day each year | |||
|duration = 1 day | |||
|frequency = Annual | |frequency = Annual | ||
|relatedto = | |relatedto = [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Pindikuthi Perunnal''' ({{ | '''Pindikuthi Perunnal''' ({{langx|ml|പിണ്ടികുത്തി പെരുന്നാൾ}}) or '''Rakkuli Perunnal''' ({{langx|ml|രാക്കുളി പെരുന്നാൾ}})<ref name="KeralaFolkloreAcademy"/><ref name="PaurastyaVidyapitham"/> is a traditional and important festival of [[Saint Thomas Christians]] celebrated on 6 January.<ref name="stalphonsasyromalabarcathedralhyd">{{cite web |title=LITURGICAL CALENDAR – Liturgical Seasons |url=http://www.stalphonsasyromalabarcathedralhyd.com/liturgical-season/ |publisher=Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Shamshabad |accessdate=10 February 2020 |archive-date=4 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304064138/http://www.stalphonsasyromalabarcathedralhyd.com/liturgical-season/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Pindikuthi Perunnal is the Saint Thomas Christian counterpart of [[Epiphany (holiday)|Denha]] ([[Baptism of Jesus]]) in [[Eastern church]] and [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] in Western Church.<ref name="kalyancatechism">{{cite book |last1=Eluvathingal |first1=Dr. Francis |title=FAMILY TRADITIONS AND IDENTITY OF ST. THOMAS CATHOLICS – Paper Prepared for the Eparchial Assembly, Kalyan |publisher=Diocese of Kalyan |page=10 |url=https://kalyancatechism.in/catechism/lesson18/IDENTITY_AND_TRADITIONS_OF_ST._THOMAS_CATHOLIC_FAMILIES_Final_Paper.pdf |accessdate=10 February 2020}}</ref> The liturgical season Denha Kaalam ([[Epiphany season]]) begins with the Sunday nearest to Pindikuthi Perunnal.{{refn|group=note|name="DehnaSunday"|{{harvnb|Syro-Malabar Liturgical Calendar (2019–2020)|p=4}}: "If the feast of Denha occurs on Sunday, then it will be considered as the first Sunday of Denha. When the feast of Denha comes on Sunday to Thursday, then these days would be counted as the first week of Denha. However, if it happens to be on Friday, the readings of the following Saturday would be the same of the first Saturday of Denha and the following Sunday as its First Sunday."}} | ||
==Etymology== | |||
The term ''Pindikuthi'' is a compound [[Malayalam]] word composed of pindi (പിണ്ടി) which means "trunk of the [[Musa acuminata|plantain tree]]"<ref name="kalyancatechism"/> and kuthi (കുത്തി) which is the past simple form of ''kuthal'' that means "to prick or pierce".<ref name="maxgyan">{{cite web |title=Kutthal meaning in English Malayalam – കുത്തല് |url=http://www.maxgyan.com/malayalam/english/meaning-of-%E0%B4%95_u_%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A4%E0%B4%B2%E0%B5%8D%E2%80%8D-in-english.html |website=www.maxgyan.com |accessdate=10 February 2020}}</ref> Therefore, Pindikuthi means "to prick or pierce the plantain trunk". Rakkuli literally means "bath in the night"<ref name="nasranifoundation"/> | |||
==Celebrations, rituals and practices== | ==Celebrations, rituals and practices== | ||
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A specially decorated plantain trunk is erected in front of houses with many torches attached to it. On the previous night of Denha celebration, family members used to go around it singing a Syriac hymn "El Payya", which means "God is radiant".<ref name="nasranifoundation">{{cite web |title=The Feast of Denha: January 06 |url=http://www.nasranifoundation.org/calendar/dr/reflection_6January.html |website=Nasrani Foundation |accessdate=10 February 2020}}</ref> Special dishes are prepared during this time, especially meat dishes. Some parishes organise competitions for the best decorated plantain. There are special prayers conducted in certain churches. | A specially decorated plantain trunk is erected in front of houses with many torches attached to it. On the previous night of Denha celebration, family members used to go around it singing a Syriac hymn "El Payya", which means "God is radiant".<ref name="nasranifoundation">{{cite web |title=The Feast of Denha: January 06 |url=http://www.nasranifoundation.org/calendar/dr/reflection_6January.html |website=Nasrani Foundation |accessdate=10 February 2020}}</ref> Special dishes are prepared during this time, especially meat dishes. Some parishes organise competitions for the best decorated plantain. There are special prayers conducted in certain churches. | ||
Saint Thomas Christians certain areas such as [[Palai]] and [[Pulincunnoo]] used to perform a ritual bath (in imitation of the Baptism of [[Jesus Christ]] in the [[River Jordan]]) on the previous night (ravu) of the feast of Denha in the rivers flowing near the churches in these localities after the solemn celebration of Ramsha, the Evening Liturgy.<ref name="nasranifoundation"/> | Saint Thomas Christians certain areas such as [[Pala, Kerala|Palai]] and [[Pulincunnoo]] used to perform a ritual bath (in imitation of the Baptism of [[Jesus Christ]] in the [[River Jordan]]) on the previous night (ravu) of the feast of Denha in the rivers flowing near the churches in these localities after the solemn celebration of Ramsha, the Evening Liturgy.<ref name="nasranifoundation"/> | ||
Pindikuthi Perunnal (sometimes called | Pindikuthi Perunnal (sometimes erroneously called Pindi Perunnal) is a prominent celebration in areas such as [[Irinjalakuda]] and [[Kunnamkulam]]. Most of the people in Irinjalakuda regardless the caste and creed await the festival for at least two or three months in advance. The main celebrations will start on the morning of previous day. The start of the festival is heralded by drumming which goes through the main roads of Irinjalakuda. This starts frenzied activities starting from preparing the right plantain in front of the house. placing a right plantain decorated in front of the house is a prestigious issue for every house owner.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} | ||
There are also "Sacred Arrow" processes for each family unit, which starts on Saturday. The "Sacred Arrow" is to commemorate the arrows which pierced the body of [[Saint Sebastian]]. This is brought to each home to be venerated by the house members, to make offerings. This Sacred Arrow is escorted to the decorated chariots after sometime accompanied by a lot of fireworks. These happen mainly on Saturdays and Mondays.{{ | There are also "Sacred Arrow" processes for each family unit, which starts on Saturday. The "Sacred Arrow" is to commemorate the arrows which pierced the body of [[Saint Sebastian]]. This is brought to each home to be venerated by the house members, to make offerings. This Sacred Arrow is escorted to the decorated chariots after sometime accompanied by a lot of fireworks. These happen mainly on Saturdays and Mondays.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} | ||
The main festival is on Sunday.{{refn|group=note|name="DehnaSunday"}} Everyone sporting a new dress eagerly participates in the procession or awaits it. The main procession starts by around 3:00 pm accompanied by prayers, and is preceded by heavy fireworks. People flock from various places to share the festivities.{{ | The main festival is on Sunday.{{refn|group=note|name="DehnaSunday"}} Everyone sporting a new dress eagerly participates in the procession or awaits it. The main procession starts by around 3:00 pm accompanied by prayers, and is preceded by heavy fireworks. People flock from various places to share the festivities.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
{{reflist|group=note}} | {{reflist|group=note}} | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
Latest revision as of 00:33, 28 February 2026
| Pindikuthi Perunnal | |
|---|---|
 Children lighting lamps on Pindikuthi Perunnal | |
| Also called | Rakkuli Perunnal[1][2] |
| Observed by | Saint Thomas Christians, Kerala, India |
| Type | Christian |
| Significance | Beginning of Epiphany season |
| Observances | Decoration of plantain trunks with torches, oil lamps and flowers, Ritual bathing in night. |
| Date | 6 January |
| Next time | 6 January 2027 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Epiphany |
Pindikuthi Perunnal (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) or Rakkuli Perunnal (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.)[1][2] is a traditional and important festival of Saint Thomas Christians celebrated on 6 January.[3] Pindikuthi Perunnal is the Saint Thomas Christian counterpart of Denha (Baptism of Jesus) in Eastern church and Epiphany in Western Church.[4] The liturgical season Denha Kaalam (Epiphany season) begins with the Sunday nearest to Pindikuthi Perunnal.[note 1]
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term Pindikuthi is a compound Malayalam word composed of pindi (പിണ്ടി) which means "trunk of the plantain tree"[4] and kuthi (കുത്തി) which is the past simple form of kuthal that means "to prick or pierce".[5] Therefore, Pindikuthi means "to prick or pierce the plantain trunk". Rakkuli literally means "bath in the night"[6]
Celebrations, rituals and practices[edit | edit source]
Template:Nasrani people A specially decorated plantain trunk is erected in front of houses with many torches attached to it. On the previous night of Denha celebration, family members used to go around it singing a Syriac hymn "El Payya", which means "God is radiant".[6] Special dishes are prepared during this time, especially meat dishes. Some parishes organise competitions for the best decorated plantain. There are special prayers conducted in certain churches.
Saint Thomas Christians certain areas such as Palai and Pulincunnoo used to perform a ritual bath (in imitation of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan) on the previous night (ravu) of the feast of Denha in the rivers flowing near the churches in these localities after the solemn celebration of Ramsha, the Evening Liturgy.[6]
Pindikuthi Perunnal (sometimes erroneously called Pindi Perunnal) is a prominent celebration in areas such as Irinjalakuda and Kunnamkulam. Most of the people in Irinjalakuda regardless the caste and creed await the festival for at least two or three months in advance. The main celebrations will start on the morning of previous day. The start of the festival is heralded by drumming which goes through the main roads of Irinjalakuda. This starts frenzied activities starting from preparing the right plantain in front of the house. placing a right plantain decorated in front of the house is a prestigious issue for every house owner.[citation needed]
There are also "Sacred Arrow" processes for each family unit, which starts on Saturday. The "Sacred Arrow" is to commemorate the arrows which pierced the body of Saint Sebastian. This is brought to each home to be venerated by the house members, to make offerings. This Sacred Arrow is escorted to the decorated chariots after sometime accompanied by a lot of fireworks. These happen mainly on Saturdays and Mondays.[citation needed]
The main festival is on Sunday.[note 1] Everyone sporting a new dress eagerly participates in the procession or awaits it. The main procession starts by around 3:00 pm accompanied by prayers, and is preceded by heavy fireworks. People flock from various places to share the festivities.[citation needed]
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Syro-Malabar Liturgical Calendar (2019–2020), p. 4: "If the feast of Denha occurs on Sunday, then it will be considered as the first Sunday of Denha. When the feast of Denha comes on Sunday to Thursday, then these days would be counted as the first week of Denha. However, if it happens to be on Friday, the readings of the following Saturday would be the same of the first Saturday of Denha and the following Sunday as its First Sunday."
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Choondal, Chummar (1988). Christian Folklore. Kerala Folklore Academy. p. 230. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Moolan, John (1985). The Period of Annunciation-nativity in the East Syrian Calendar: Its Background and Place in the Liturgical Year. Paurastya Vidyapitham. p. 22.
- ↑ "LITURGICAL CALENDAR – Liturgical Seasons". Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Shamshabad. Archived from the original on 4 March 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Eluvathingal, Dr. Francis. FAMILY TRADITIONS AND IDENTITY OF ST. THOMAS CATHOLICS – Paper Prepared for the Eparchial Assembly, Kalyan (PDF). Diocese of Kalyan. p. 10. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
- ↑ "Kutthal meaning in English Malayalam – കുത്തല്". www.maxgyan.com. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "The Feast of Denha: January 06". Nasrani Foundation. Retrieved 10 February 2020.