9 March 1936: C. V. Kunjiraman (SNDP) speaks at Maramon Convention
C.V. Kunhiraman, (Potrait at Sahitya Akademi Thrissur – Photo by Nandakumar Thottathil)
Most of the times Maramon Convention speakers are Christian leaders. At times, even Non-Christian leaders are invited to speak occasionally to express their views. On 9th March 1936, Mr. C. V. Kunjiraman (C.V. Kunhiraman), one of the prominent Ezhava leaders and General Secretary of the SNDP Yogam was given the privilege to speak at the convention. He was a social reformer and author of many books. This was an example of the religious harmony that existed in Kerala.
1895: The First Maramon Convention and preparations undertaken
The first Maramon Convention was called ‘Pentecost Convention’ as the leaders and participants waited and prayed for the Holy Spirit’s presence to be present throughout the proceedings of the convention just like in the Book of Acts. It was conducted for 10 days from 9th March to 18th March.
In a circular issued to all the Church parishes, Titus I Mar Thoma Metropolitan entrusted the complete responsibility of conducting the Maramon Convention to the Evangelistic Association.
Palakunnathu Madathil Koshykunju (Titus I Metropolitan’s elder brother) volunteered to take charge of the Pandal construction with the help of parishes in and around Maramon, Kozhencherry and Edayaranmula. Members of these surrounding parishes donated the thatched roof made from the coconut leaves and came out in large numbers to help set up the pandal (tent).
According to news reports an estimated 2 lakh people visit the convention daily. The convention takes place on the river bed under a sprawling temporary shed, made of coconut leaves, which will seat about 100,000 people.
Parishioners help in setting up the roof of the Maramon convention Pandal using thatched coconut leaves. (Photo by Sachin Jose)
The Maramon Pandal (Photo by Soby George – 2010)
Temporary bridges built for people to cross the shallow waters of the River Pamba.
BALANCING ACT: Construction of a temporary footbridge linking the convention venue and the western bank of river Pampa progressing at Maramon near Kozhencherry. Photo: Leju Kamal – The Hindu
Maramon Convention 2010. Photo: Sajeesh P Sankaran, Malyalalam Manorama
1898 -1912: Rev. Thomas Walker inspires Mar Thoma Missionary projects
Rev. Thomas Walker – Church Missionary Society
Rev. Thomas Walker was one of the main speakers at the Maramon Convention from 1898 to 1912. He was a Church Missionary Society (CMS) missionary from Tirunelveli. He emphasized the importance on studying the Word of God (Bible) and to promote the missionary work of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. His inputs were instrumental in inspiring and the beginning of many Mar Thoma Missionary projects across India.
Maramon Convention 1925: The price of meals
One British Rupee 1920
Fourteen meals for One rupee. During the early years of the Convention, restaurants and hotels were not in existence. Kappi Kadas (coffee/tea shops) and Chottu Kadas (rice shops) were the only available eateries at the Manalpuram (river bed) venue of the convention. One of the famous chottu kada’s was managed by Kunjan Varkey Chetten from Edathua. He would serve 14 full meals for just one rupee and 228 full glasses of black coffee (Chakkara Kappi) also for Rs.1 in the early 1920’s.
Chai shop
(www.chaiwallahsofindia.com)
February, 1917: Sadhu Sunder Singh preaches at Maramon Convention
Sadhu Sundar Singh
Sadhu Sunder Singh (3 September 1889-1929) the renowned Indian Christian missionary was one of the speakers of the Maramon Convention in 1918. He spoke in Hindi and the translation was done by Mr. M. O. Oommen, Chief Conservator of Travancore.
Sadhu Sunder Singh drew crowds greater than any previous conventions, so much so that before the end of the week the pandal (covered area) had to be enlarged. It is estimated at the final meeting about 32,000 people gathered to hear his message.
March 9 – 18, 1895: The first Maramon Convention
An undated early photo of the Maramon Convention. (www.marthoma.in)
The first Maramon Convention was held from 9th March (Friday) to 18th March (Sunday) in 1895 at the Parapuzha Manalpuram of the River Pamba (the location was situated between the famous Aranmula Temple and the Maramon Church) about one kilometer away from the present venue. It was a ten day event.
The pandal (tent) could accommodate about 7000 people. Mr. David and Mr. Wordsworth, both missionaries from Ceylon (today known as Sri Lanka) were the main speakers of the convention. Mar Thoma Metropolitan Titus I gave the leadership for the convention meetings. Deacon Kakkasseri Varghese of Kunnamkulam (7 July 1867 – 4 June 1897) translated the messages from English to Malayalam for the audiences to understand.
Nalloor Library 
