New Delhi: Christmas will be celebrated on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and it is the biggest festival in the Christendom and the Western society. It is time for the churches to deck up with lights as people throng there to witness the Midnight Mass and other rituals which take place on Christmas. It is believed that Christianity came to India in the 52 AD with Thomas the Apostle, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. He established seven churches and since then, India has been to many famous churches.
Most famous churches in India one can explore
Basilica of Bom Jesus
It is possibly the most famous church in India. It is a Catholic basilica located in Goa’s Konkan region. The iconic church is a pilgrimage centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, and holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. Its construction began in 1594 and was consecrated in May 1605. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Goa for its immense cultural heritage and architectural beauty.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is a church of Anglican background in Kolkata. It is dedicated to Paul the Apostle and is famous for its Gothic architecture. It is the seat of the Diocese of Calcutta. In 1839, the cornerstone was laid and in 1847, the building was completed. It is Kolkata’s largest church and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia. It was also the first new-built cathedral in the overseas territory of the British Empire.
Se Cathedral
Also known as the Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, and it is located in Old Goa and is the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. It is part of the World Heritage Site, Churches and convents of Goa. The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army after which Goa was captured in 1510. Since the victory came on the day of the feast of Saint Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her. In 1562, its construction began. It was completed in 1619 and was consecrated in 1640.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Also known as Kotta Palli or Kottepalli, it is located in Kochi. It is one of the 34 basilicas in India and one of nine in Kerala. It is famous for its Indo-European and Gothic architectural style. The Portuguese built the original structure in 1505 and it became a cathedral in 1558. However, the British demolished it and built a new structure in its place. It is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India, attracting tourists year-round due to its historical significance and architectural grandeur.
Mount St Mary Church
Officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, it is a basilica (shrine) of the Roman Catholic Church located in Mumbai’s Bandra. The basilica stands on a hillock, about 80 metres above sea level overlooking the Arabian Sea. It draws thousands of devotees and pilgrims annually, especially during the Bandra Fest. It was destroyed in 1738 and was later rebuilt during the British colonial era.
Medak Cathedral
This is located in Telangana’s Medak. It is one of the largest churches in India and since 1947, it has been the cathedral church of the Diocese of Medak of the Church of South India. On December 25, 1924, the church was consecrated. The church conforms to the Gothic Revival style and can accommodate about 5,000 people at a time. The mosaic tiles were imported from Britain and are of six different colours.
Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health
It is also known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Velankanni and is located in Tamil Nadu’s Velankanni town. The shrine is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the mid-16th century, the shrine began its journey as a thatched chapel and in 1771, it became a parish church. In the church, Virgin Mary is depicted wearing a sari. The basilica is built in the Gothic architectural style and its southern side was extended in 1928 while the northern side was extended in 1933.
Church of Saint Francis
Located in Fort Kochi, Saint Francis Church was originally built in 1503. It is one of the oldest European churches in India and has witnessed the European colonial ambitions in the subcontinent. In 1524, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi during his third visit to India. Originally, his body was buried in this church and 14 years later, his remains were relocated to Lisbon.
This article highlights eight of India’s most famous churches, perfect for Christmas exploration. From the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata, it showcases architectural diversity and rich history. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
