Malayalam superstar Mammootty has been invited as the chief guest for the concluding public meeting of the 124th remembrance feast of St. Gregorios of Parumala. The event will be held at Parumala Church in Kerala on November 1, 2026, with the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan Baselios Marthoma Mathews III scheduled to inaugurate the programme.The invitation has triggered discussions within sections of the Kottayam-headquartered Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The debate is centred on the participation of a major film personality in an event associated with an important Christian pilgrimage and religious observance.What is the Parumala Feast?The Parumala Feast 2026 commemorates St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala, widely known as Parumala Thirumeni. Parumala Church is a major pilgrim centre of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and houses the mortal remains of St. Gregorios.The annual observance attracts pilgrims from different parts of Kerala and beyond. The concluding public meeting is connected with the gathering of pilgrims who undertake journeys to Parumala as part of the feast observance. Local reports said lakhs of pilgrims are expected to participate in the wider pilgrimage activities.When and where will Mammootty attend?Mammootty is scheduled to attend the concluding public meeting at the Parumala Church premises at 3 p.m. on November 1. The programme will take place as part of the concluding events linked to the annual remembrance feast.The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church’s official information identifies Parumala Church as a prominent parish and pilgrimage centre. The church is located at Parumala in Pathanamthitta district and is also known as St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Orthodox Church.Why has the invitation sparked discussion?The selection of Mammootty as chief guest has led to questions among sections of the church community about the role of a popular film personality at a religiously significant gathering. The discussion comes as the church prepares for an event associated with the annual remembrance of St. Gregorios of Parumala.At the same time, the invitation is for the public meeting held as part of the concluding programme, rather than a liturgical service. The reported programme will be inaugurated by Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan.What is expected at the event?The November 1 programme is expected to mark the conclusion of the public events associated with the 124th remembrance feast. Mammootty’s presence is expected to draw significant public attention because of his long-standing position as one of Malayalam cinema’s most prominent actors.The wider Parumala Feast will continue to remain a major pilgrimage event for the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The official church website describes Parumala as a major pilgrim centre connected with the shrine and mortal remains of St. Gregorios.For now, the main point of discussion within sections of the church is the decision to have Mammootty as the chief guest, while the scheduled programme itself remains set for November 1 at Parumala Church.
