VETTUCAUD CHURCH,
THIRUVANATHAPURAM, KERALA
വെട്ടുകാട് പള്ളി, തിരുവനന്തപുരം, കേരള
Venue : Vettukad Church, nearly 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.
The ‘Madre de Deus’Church popularly known as Vettukad Church attracts thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is called the "Feast of Christ the King". The feast is celebrated across ten days culminating in the last Sunday of the liturgical year.
Various religious rites are carried out during the festival days. On the last Saturday of the feast, the image of Christ the King is taken out in a large colourful procession. A solemn high mass, sermons, eucharistic processions and benediction mark the final day.
Getting there :
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 7 km.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 3 km.
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VELANKANNI CHURCH,
NAGAPATTANAM, TAMIL NADU
വേളാങ്കണ്ണി പള്ളി, നാഗപട്ടണം, തമിഴ്നാട്
Velankanni is one of the most taken pilgrimages in India. Situated amidst shores of Bay of Bengal, Velankanni is a picturesque town. The city is famous for the shrine Basilica that is dedicated to 'Lady of health'. The shrine draws pilgrims from all faiths and from all over the world. It has not came as a surprise that the Pope has declared Velankanni, a holy city.
This Roman Catholic Church has an extended Basilica, which has two floors where one can find the statue of Jesus Christ. The Gothic style of architecture is a unique feature of the Church. The environment around the shrine is spick and span, radiating rays of hope and piety. There is also a shrine of 'lady of sorrow' where in the sorrowing Mother is depicted carrying infant Jesus in her hand.
A museum is situated opposite to the Basilica. The museum has a very rich variety of exhibits. The precious offerings made by the devotees are also on display here. Biblical incidents are depicted on both sidewalls with beautifully produced frescos. The annual carnival is celebrated here with all pomp and gaiety every year on August 29th.
How to Reach Velankanni
By Air : Nearest airport is Tiruchirappali that is 165 kilometers. It is well connected to rest of India.
By Rail/Train : Nearest railway station is Nagapattinam that is near about 12 kilometers. Nagapattinam in turn is well connected to all major cities in India via Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.
By Road : Velankanni is connected to all the major towns and cities in and around Tamilnadu. Regular bus services are available to Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur and Pondicherry etc.
