Arthunkal feast

Arthunkal is a major Christian pilgrim centre in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The St. Sebastian's church feast at St Andrew's Forane Church 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. More than two lakh pilgrims visit the church during the festival. The octave is on 27 Jan with a procession of the saint's statue to the beach. Sabarimala pilgrims too visit the church during their pilgrimage. The belief is that Loard Ayyappa and St Sebastian are brothers.

The church was established by Portuguese missionaries four centuries ago. The church is 7 km from Cherthala and 22 km from Alappuzha. The main days of the festival are 20 & 27 th Jan.