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Arthunkal Church, Alappuzha
ABOUT
The largest shrine of St Sebastian in the world, the church known as Arthunkal St. Andrew's Basilica and St. Sebastian's International Shrine lcated in Arthunkal, Alappuzha, Kerala.It was constructed by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century to meet the spiritual needs of the Christian community settled there. The church was reconstructed in 1584 under the guidance and efforts of the then vicar Fr. Jacoma Fenicio ,devotees fondly referred to him as Arthunkal Veluthachan. The event sees devotees from across the state throng the church to participate in the feast which is held in January every year. One of the main events during the feast involves a ceremonial procession wherein the statue of St. Sebastian is taken out from the church to the beach and back. Another intriguing event is the ceremony on the final day when devotees crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church. It is considered as a holy land by hundreds of thousands of devotees, of Christian as well as other faith.
HISTORY
During the colonial rule under the Portuguese in the 16th century, many missionaries landed in this part of land now called Kerala. Their mission was to spread Christianity in this state. Arthunkal St. Andrew's Basilica', Arthunkal, Alappuzha district was originally built by the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century to meet the spiritual needs of the Christian community settled there. The church was reconstructed in 1584 under the guidance and efforts of the then vicar Fr. Jacoma Fenicio. The natives respected and revered him because, they believed, that he had some kind of mystical powers to cure mental and physical ailments. Devotees called him Arthunkal Veluthachan. Arthunkal is one of the oldest Christian churches in Kerala
SPECIALITIES
The major attraction of Arthunkal Church is the festival, which takes place every year in January. The festival is acclaimed as the ‘Feast of St. Sebastian’. A number of devotees irrespective of caste or religion partake in this 11-day extravaganza. Although all the eleven days are marked by celebrations, the important days of the festival are the eighth and the eleventh day. This is a big celebration at Alleppey. This is because most of the neighboring population is Christians. The people of Allappuzha participate in the festival wholeheartedly.
CLIMATE
Summer 20°C to 36°C, Winter 16°C to 32°C
BEST TIME TO VISIT
August to March
FOOD
Traditional kerala foods, Alappey fish curry, Sea foods
ROAD CONDITION
Road transport is best suited to reach Alleppey, as this is a remote village and it becomes a little difficult to reach this place through any other means of transport.22 kilometers north of Alappuzha town.
