Malayattoor pilgrimage (Climbing Kurisumudy) is done as a vow in reparation of sins. A lot of devotees come to the shrine carrying crosses and walking hundreds of Kilometers. Some of the crosses weight more than 75 Kilograms. Pilgrims climb the mountain praying the Way of the Cross and chanting.
Malayattoor has a pilgrimage festival. Devotees climb the hill without any celebration, after leading an austere life of prayer. The Feast day falls on the Sunday after the resurrection of Christ (Easter). Since His disciples did not see him after resurrection, St. Thomas did not believe it. But the Lord appeared on the eighth day, blessed St.Thomas and cleared his doubts. This day is known as New Sunday. Devotees ascend the hills with chanting.
Another Feast being observed by the Christians in Kerala is Dukram. This Feast, observed on July 3, is a reminder of the martyrdom of St. Thomas. Devotees go to Mylapore for Dukram Feast. December 18 is observed as Kurissu Viyartha Feast of St. Thomas. This is observed in connection with the stone cross of Mylapore. The diocese church stands on the banks of river Periyar. This is also known as Thazhathu. Ascending of the hills begin from the valley. A statue of St. Thomas is there at the place where the pilgrimage begins.