Vettukadu Perunnal

Vettukadu, a coastal suburb in Kerala’s capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, is known for its 500-year-old ‘Madre-de-Deus Church.’ Legend has it that the region was visited by the famous missionary, St. Francis Xavier, sometime between C.E. 1543 and 1547 to evangelize the people. The region would come alive every year to celebrate the annual 'feast of Christ the King' held in the church. This is a colourful event attended by thousands of devotees. Special prayers are held on all the festival days and a ceremonial procession carrying the statue of Christ the King is held on the main day.