Parumala Church, Parumala, about 11 km from Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, central Kerala. It is at this church that Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church in Kerala takes his eternal rest. There is a ceremonial procession on the day of the feast. Devotees from across the state attend the special rites and prayers offered here on this day. Thousands of little oil lamps light up the night.
Spectacular fireworks decorate the skies.
And delicious sweets mark the merry mood of the people. Astrologically, on Deepavali day the sun moves into the Zodiac sign Libra which signifies commerce, and therefore, Deepavali is considered auspicious for the merchant community. But in pockets with a prominent Tamil, Bengali or other north Indian communities, Deepavali is celebrated with great zest. According to mythology, Deepavali is celebrated to commemorate the great victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. There is much celebration all over the country marked by billions of oil lamps lighting up the night, spectacular fireworks and exchange of delicious sweets.