Kottayam:– The 40th death anniversary of the esteemed former Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, was solemnly observed today with a series of commemorative events in Kottayam.

At the break of dawn, the Puthupally St. George Orthodox Grand Church became a focal point of remembrance as it hosted a special ceremony to honor the memory of Oommen Chandy. The proceedings commenced at 6:30 AM with a reverent mass led by Dr. Jacob Mar Irenaeus. Dr. Irenaeus also conducted an incense prayer at the grave, accompanied by Yohanon Mar Dioscorus.

Fr. Varghese Varghese, the Vicar, along with trustees Jacob George and Saji Chacko, announced that breakfast arrangements had been made to serve ten thousand attendees within the temple premises. Subsequently, a contemplative incense prayer was held at the residence of the late Chief Minister.

In harmony with the spirit of the occasion, all eight panchayats under the Congress leadership orchestrated Smriti yatras (memorial processions), floral tributes at portraits, and interfaith prayers during the morning hours. In a notable move, Philson Mathews, the UDF convener, conveyed that election campaigns would be suspended in deference to the commemoration.

Notably, the Youth Congress planned to organize a symbolic padayatra (foot march) commencing from Puthupally Church courtyard to Puthupally Kavala at 5 PM, followed by a youth gathering. The subsequent day's schedule included a morning Mass at St. George's Orthodox Cathedral in Thiruvananthapuram and an incense offering at Puthupally House.

The observance of the 40th day after death holds deep significance in the Syro-Malabar and Eastern Orthodox traditions. It is a traditional memorial service characterized by family gatherings, ceremonies, and rituals to honor the departed's memory on the 40th day following death.. These rituals are rooted in the belief of spiritual intercession by the deceased, who are thought to collectively await the Day of Judgment. As such, these rituals can be held individually for a departed soul or universally for all the deceased. Today's commemorative events reflect this enduring tradition of remembrance and spiritual connection.