Maramon Convention
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The Maramon Convention is a Christian convention held in Nedumprayar Junction Later known as Maramon, India. It is the largest Christian gathering in Asia. This gathering is conducted by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, the missionary wing of the Mar Thoma Church, headquartered in Tiruvalla.
It is held annually during the month of February on the vast sand-bed of the Pampa River next to the Kozhencherry Bridge. The first convention was held in 1896 for a period of 8 days. In 2007 the convention celebrated 112 years of existence. About two weeks before the convention, the sand bed becomes a scene of great activity. Christians from the parishes around Maramon carry interwoven coconut leaves hand made by the people of kerala, which their earlier generations used for housing and household uses, like, building shelter, walls and used to make kotta to take driedleafs to for cooking purpose, bamboo poles and other materials for erecting the convention tent. The tent has a seating capacity in excess of 150,000. There is also a smaller tent erected next to the larger one for people with infants and small children. All around the tent there are temporary sheds and tents for various purposes related to the Convention. Stalls for the sale of religious literature, church offices and restaurants are allowed to operate in the vicinity of the tent under the strict control of the Church authorities.
The Maramon Convention is pre-eminently an assembly of Christians who once a year come here for listening to the Word of God as read and expounded by leaders of Christian thought from all over India as well as abroad. Preaching and Bible study occupy the major part of the conference programme. Along with the Bible reading and discourse, singing of hymns and praying for the sick are also held. Prayer and worship at the convention accompanied by singing.
The Maramon Convention displays co-operation and union between different sections of Church in Kerala. It fosters an ecumenical outlook. It is also a source of spiritual inspiration and enlightenment for thousands.
