Panchayat/ Municipality/ Thirupuram, Panchayat Corporation

Thiruvananthapuarm District LOCATION

Nearest Town/ Thirupuram– 10m Landmark/ Junction

Nearest Bus Statio Thirupuram Bus Stop – 10m

Nearest Railway Statio South Railway Station – 7.4 km ACCESSIBILITY

Nearest Airport Trivandrum International Airport –27km

St Francis Xavier church Neyyattinkara Thirupuram - 695133 CONTACT Phone: 0471- 211015, +91-812-991-7711 DATES FREQUENCY DURATION

November 24th to Dec 3rd Annual 10 Days TIME

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL (Legend/History/Myth)

Saint Francis Xavier was the greatest Roman Catholic missionary of the modern times who was instrumental in the establishment of Christianity in many parts of Asia. Born in Xavier Castle, Navarre Spain as the son of nobility, he was sent to study theology. His first mission was to , then to Malay Archipelago and later Japan. He baptized some 30,000 people. The areas he evangelized in India remain Catholic these day. This feast is celebrated in remembrance of St. Francis Xavier.

Local More than 5,000 RELEVANCE NO. OF PEOPLE (Local / National / International) PARTICIPATED EVENTS/PROGRAMS DESCRIPTION (How festival is celebrated)

Special Prayers Flag hoisting The celebration of the feast is started with the flag hoisting Japamala ceremony. Special prayers, Novena and rosaries are Offering conducted. Also religious discourses, procession and Kurubana holy mass are held. Thousands of devotees attend the Novena feast. Procession

There will be a flag hoisting ceremony on the starting day marking the beginning of the feast. There will special prayers during this time. Also religious discourses, procession and holy mass will there. Thousands of devotees will attend the feast and in the prayersThere will be a flag hoisting ceremony on the starting day marking the beginning of the feast. There will special prayers during this time. Also religious discourses, procession and holy mass will there. Thousands of devotees will attend the feast and in the prayers