Arthunkal Church - St Andrews

Celebrated in January every year, devotees from different parts of the State throng to the church on the feast days in an ardent display of their faith and devotion. The largest shrine of St Sebastian in the world, the church known as Arthunkal St. Andrew's Basilica and St. Sebastian's International Shrine in Arthunkal, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India, was constructed by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. The grand annual feast of St Sebastian Arthunkal in January, which lasts for a month accompanied by millions of pilgrims is one of the important celebrations and major attractions in India.The feast of shrine Basilica also known as makaram perunnal. The church was rebuilt in 1584 under the vicar Jacomo Fenicio, an Italian Jesuit[1] whose devotees claim to possess powers to heal the body and mind. Devotees fondly referred to him as "Arthunkal Veluthachan", "fair skinned father". Fenicio died in 1632. Eight years after his death, the church was rebuilt again, this time reoriented to face west towards the long white-sand beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea. In 1647, a statue of St. Sebastian, struck with arrows all over his bleeding body (he was executed on the order of the Roman emperor Diocletian for embracing the Christian faith) sculptured in Milan, was brought and placed in the Arthunkal church.

Arthunkal St Andrews Basilica, the first Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alleppey was elevated to the status of Basilica on 9 July 2010.

Arthunkal Basilica became the first Basilica in the diocese of Alleppey and the seventh basilica in Kerala and the third basilica of the Roman Catholic Latin church of Kerala.

The Arthunkal Church, also known as the St. Andrew's Forane Church is a must-visit Christian pilgrim center in Kerala. Located at Arthunkal in the Alappuzha district, it is a beautiful church built originally in the 16th century by the Portuguese missionaries. Devotees from different regions visit the church during the annual festival of this pilgrim center known as Arthunkal Perunnal which is held in the month of January every year. Visiting the coastal town of Arthunkal and this marvelous church shall be a beautiful experience.

The Arthunkal Perunnal, a great event associated with the church, is very famous among devotees from far and wide. They throng this ancient church during the event in order to participate in the feast and ceremonial procession. The statue of St. Sebastian is taken out for the procession during the Perunnal from the church to the beach and back. The final day of Arthunkal Perunnal is also very unique. Devotees crawl on their knees on this day all the way to the church from the nearby beach 

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Cherthala, about 8 km and Alappuzha, about 21 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 68 km