CHAMPAKULAM, ALAPPUZHA: The historic St. Mary’s Basilica at Kalloorkad, Champakulam, has introduced a special Sunday Holy Qurbana for Catholic visitors arriving from outside Kerala and abroad, marking a new initiative to promote spiritual tourism in Kuttanad.

According to a notification issued by the Basilica Community on October 1, the special Qurbana will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday, beginning October 4, 2026. The initiative is intended to make it easier for Catholic tourists and pilgrims visiting the Kuttanad region to participate in Holy Qurbana during their travels.

The initiative comes as the ancient basilica marks 1,600 years since its foundation. The church traces its origins to AD 427 and is regarded as one of Kerala's historic Syrian Christian pilgrimage centres. Kerala Tourism also describes Champakulam Church as one of India's oldest Syrian Catholic churches and an important Christian pilgrimage destination.

The church's recent heritage publication has highlighted its nearly 1,600-year Christian history on the banks of the Pamba River, further strengthening its position as a religious and cultural destination.

The special Sunday service could be particularly useful for Catholic tourists staying in Alappuzha, Kuttanad, Kumarakom and other parts of Kerala, as well as visitors arriving from overseas. Tour operators and accommodation providers can also incorporate a visit to the basilica into heritage and spiritual tourism itineraries.

Champakulam already has a strong tourism identity through its backwaters, traditional village life and the historic Champakulam Moolam boat race. The Kerala government has also been promoting the cultural and tourism significance of the destination, including the Champakulam boat-race festival.

The new Sunday Qurbana initiative therefore adds a spiritual dimension to Kuttanad's tourism offerings, potentially creating opportunities to develop dedicated pilgrimage and faith-based tourism packages connecting Champakulam with other important religious destinations in Alappuzha and central Kerala.