FEAST OF St.SEBASTIAN is celebrated in St.Andrews Basilica, Arthunkal, one of the most popular pilgrim centres of North India. The feast commence on the 10 th of January and lasts for 17 days. In 1647 the statue of St. Sebastian was brought from Milan, Italy, and placed here. In 18th Century, the church was taken charge by Carmelite missionaries from Jesuit missionaries. During the Carmelite service on 29 November 1829. Blessed Chavara Kuriyakose Ealiyas was ordained by Rt. Rev. Dr. Stabalini the Bishop of Verapoly who was residing in Arthunkal St.Andrew's church.
Arthunkal is a beautiful place in the Alapuzha district of Kerala, located in coastal area. Arthunkal is 7 km from Cherthala, 22 km from Alappuzha and around 48 km from Kochi. It is situated between north latitude 90° 05' and 90° 52', east longitude 76° 17' and 76° 48'. The climate is moist and hot (34 °C/22 °C). To its west lies the Arabian Sea with its white sand beach stretching from north to south.
Arthunkal Beach
Arthunkal Beach
Arthunkal is a major Christian pilgrim centre and a coastal village in Alappuzha district in Kerala, India. St Andrew's Basilica (St Andrew's Forane Church) Arthunkal is under the Diocese of Alappuzha. The St. Sebastian's church feast is celebrated from 10 to 27 Jan. The procession of the saint in a palanquin, on 20 Jan, by hundreds of devotees from church to beach chapel and back attracts a huge crowd of devotees. During the colorful procession, eagles fly in the sky. More than two lakh pilgrims visit the church during the festival. Sabarimala pilgrims too visit the church during their pilgrimage.
