Thumpoly

It is believed that the name 'Thumpoly' came from 'Thoma Pally' which means Church of St. Thomas. During the period of Portuguese, the place was also called 'Thompolis' which means 'The town of St. Thomas'.

Visiting Time:- Visiting hours at Thumpoli Church are from 5.30 am to 8.00 pm every day. On festival days like Thirunal, the church will be closed only after 10.30 pm (unless it is busy). The church is not usually closed on important festivals days. Or if it is closed, the Thirunada will close only after 11.30 PM or 12.00 PM. [1][2]

The parish of Thumpoly is known for its church, named for St. Thomas and also dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Confraternity feast of Immaculate conception at Thumpoly Church is a very historic and famous festival. Darshana Thirunal (Confraternity feast/festival) of Amalolbhava Mata(immaculate conception)-(thumpoly matha) is celebrated every year from November 27 to December 15 at Thumpoly church. The main feast which lasts for (11) 19 days, is that of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on 08 December every year ( The main festival day is December 08th.). Ettamidam Thirunal day is December 15th. Opening of Thiruswaroopa ``Thirunada Thurakkal´´ of Mother of Thumpoly mata on 06th December. The Thumpoly church festival ends at midnight on December 15th. The statue of 'Our Lady' of Immaculate Conception in the church is called 'Kappalottakaari Amma' (Sailors Mother ) or 'the mother who came by ship in the year between AD 1580 - 1600s. Important Vow (Nercha) `` Pattum Kireedavum Ezhunnallippu´´.The main votive offering is the silk and the crown wake up offerings.And also there are many other vows/offerings.(Pattum Kireedavum Ezhunnallipp) . And also on the first Sunday of July, the week of Thomasliha - St. Thomas's day feast is also celebrated. The Feast of the Birth(Nativity) of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated from September 1st to September 8th. Every year from 01st to 31st October the month of Japamala/Rosary is celebrated as a celebration. [3][4][5]These are the one of the most important festivals and pilgrimage shrine in Kerala & Alappuzha district and Diocese of Alleppey.

The landmark of the place is a 400 to 500-year-old church called St. Thomas Church, Thumpoly which was built by Portuguese. The Thumpoly church is 400 to 500 years old and has a long tradition. The construction of the present shrine/church was started in AD 1700 and the construction of the church was completed in AD 1730. The present church at Thumpoli was work completed in AD 1730. The Thumpoly church is one of the important pilgrimage centers/shrines of State of Kerala & Alappuzha District and Alleppey Diocese, built in the Portuguese style. Between during the AD 1580s and 1600, a ship sailed from Paris (Portugal/Also said to be from Italy) across the Arabian sea, losing control of the ship due to wind, rain and thunder. Thus, the statue of the Immaculate Conception (Virgin Mary) was enshrined in the church (thumpoly ). Thumpoly church was the first church in India at that time to have a statue of the Mother of God religiously and rituals.

Thirthassery temple is another important monument in Thumpoly. The typical Kerala architectural beauty can be seen this small temple. There is also a mosque near Thumpoly.

Thumpoly is connected by road and rail -way. The beach at Thumpoly is a major tourist attraction. Thumpoly Beach is located on the west side near thumpoly church. Pilgrim's and tourists also come here.

Coir handicrafts is a major cottage industry of the area.

The important Near areas of Thumpoly are Poomkavu (Poomkavu - A famous Holy Weekly Pilgrimage Shrine), Chettikadu, Pathirappally, Omanapuzha, Kommadi, Poonthoppu, Mangalam and Malikamukku.

• Feast at Thumpoly Church