Where two faiths merge on Good Friday

KOCHI: When the whole world is set to celebrate Easter, a small temple in Amballoor also joins the ceremonies at the nearby church. The temple’s pooja which begins with the light carried from the church is a tradition that is more than 100 years old.The event takes places in St Assisi Church in Thalayolaparambu and Vadakara Nelliyillam Valiapanathipathy Temple, a family temple.“Every year the family members visit the church. A donation for Mass is also given. Over the past few years the temple festival coincides with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. A lighted candle is given to the senior mener of the temple and it is using this candle, they light the temple lamp to initiate the ‘poojas’,” said Fr John Pothua, the vicar of the church.He said that legend has it that their ancestors are present in the area where the church is situated. “The church is known as ‘keerikattupally’, as the area was infested with ‘keeri’ plant and St Francis, the saint after whom the church is built was known as ‘Keerikattu Muthappan’. People from all faiths come to the church,” adds Fr John. The temple is old and small. “Senior members decide the day of the festival and other family members make it a point to participate in the festival,” said Divakaran, a member of the temple.  “This tradition has been practised for years and we see to it that we don’t break it,” added Divakaran. “The temple houses goddess Devi with other deities and serpent god. The temple consists of 60 families headed by a chieftain and belongs to the Pulaya community. The festival is also an opportunity to bond with the relatives,” he said.