As festive lights brighten the coastline and thousands gather for prayers, Vettukad becomes the centre of a major annual religious celebration in Kerala. The Christ the King Feast 2026 at Madre de Deus Church, popularly known as Vettukad Church, will take place from November 13 to 22 in Thiruvananthapuram. The ten-day festival features religious ceremonies, community gatherings and a grand procession, attracting pilgrims from Kerala and neighbouring states.
The celebrations begin with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony (Kodiyettu) on November 13, Friday, and conclude with the Solemnity Feast Day on November 22, Sunday.
Major highlights of the ten-day celebration include:
The Vettukad Feast has a long-standing religious tradition associated with the historic Madre de Deus Church. The local Christian community's celebrations date back several centuries, with the church's history linked to the visit of St. Francis Xavier between 1543 and 1547.
The statue of Christ the King, installed and blessed in 1942, remains the central focus of the annual celebration. The feast is also recognised for bringing together people of different religions and communities. Its welcoming tradition makes it an important symbol of communal harmony in Kerala.
To manage the large number of pilgrims attending the Vettukad Feast, KSRTC generally operates around 25 special bus services connecting the church with major transit points, including East Fort and Palayam. Temporary transport facilities are also arranged to coordinate these services.
The Thiruvananthapuram District Administration typically declares a local half-day holiday for schools and offices on the main feast day to accommodate the large gathering. For the 2026 celebration, November 22 is the Solemnity Feast Day. The official holiday notification is generally issued shortly before the event.
With a history spanning more than 500 years, Madre de Deus Church stands as an important landmark of Thiruvananthapuram's Christian heritage. Its association with St. Francis Xavier and its welcoming traditions give the annual Christ the King Feast a significance beyond religious observance. From November 13 to 22, 2026, Vettukad will once again bring together faith, history and community celebrations along Kerala's coastline.
1. When is the Christ the King Feast 2026 celebrated?
The Christ the King Feast at Vettukad Church takes place from November 13 to 22, 2026. The flag-hoisting ceremony is on November 13, and the main feast day is November 22.
2. Where is the Vettukad Feast celebrated?
The festival takes place at Madre de Deus Church on Veli Sanghumugham Road, near Vettukad Beach in Thiruvananthapuram.
3. Can people of all religions attend the Christ the King Feast?
Yes. Vettukad Church welcomes people from all religious backgrounds and communities to participate in the ten-day celebrations and prayer services.
4. What are the main attractions of the Vettukad Feast?
The highlights include daily Holy Masses, multilingual prayers, special novenas and the grand procession carrying the statue of Christ the King on the main feast weekend.
5. How can visitors reach Vettukad Church?
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 3.1 km away, while Kochuveli Railway Station is around 3.2 km away. KSRTC special buses are generally arranged from East Fort and Palayam during the feast.
6. Are there traffic restrictions during the Vettukad Feast?
Yes. Traffic diversions and parking restrictions are generally introduced around Vettukad, Shanghumugham, Kannanthura and Kochuveli, especially during the final weekend. Public transport is advisable.
