500 Years since Vasco Da Gama 's arrival!

A heartfelt memorial and reflection on Vasco da Gama's legacy and the enduring Catholic community of our land.

Commemorating 500 Years of Vasco da Gama's Legacy

Christmas Eve, 2024

Five centuries ago, on Christmas Eve of 1524, one of history’s greatest navigators, Vasco da Gama, took his final breath in this very town. Known as the pioneer of the sea route to India, Vasco da Gama’s voyages changed the course of history, bridging two distant worlds and laying the foundation for centuries of cultural, economic, and spiritual exchange.

The incredible Portuguese Caravel by the name Sao Gabriel in which Vasco Da Gama sailed to India as drawn by the artist Ernesto Casanova (1845 - )

In life, Vasco da Gama was driven by the call to explore, to connect, and to expand horizons. His arrival in India in 1498 marked the beginning of a profound chapter in the history of this land. But his death here in 1524, far from his homeland, marked the completion of his extraordinary journey—a journey that not only linked continents but also left an enduring legacy in this community.

After his death, his remains were laid to rest in this town, sanctifying the soil with the presence of a man whose voyages reshaped the world. Though his son later repatriated his remains to Portugal in 1538, the significance of his final days here remains etched into the history of this place.

A Legacy of Faith and Resilience

Vasco da Gama's arrival heralded the beginning of Catholicism in this region. Missionaries and priests followed in his wake, spreading the Gospel and establishing a thriving Catholic community. Over the centuries, this faith has flourished, weathering the storms of time with resilience and grace. Today, the Catholic population in this town stands as a living testament to the spiritual seeds planted during Vasco da Gama’s time.

Churches, some centuries old, dot the landscape, their bells ringing out with a timeless call to prayer and devotion. The vibrant celebrations of Christmas, Easter, and feast days continue to bind the community together, preserving traditions while embracing modernity. The influence of Catholicism is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of this town, visible in its festivals, architecture, and the enduring spirit of its people.

500 Years On: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present

As we gather on this Christmas Eve of 2024, we pause to remember Vasco da Gama, whose life and death connect this town to a larger global story. We honor his legacy, not only as a navigator of uncharted waters but as a bridge between civilizations.

We also celebrate the strength and vitality of the Catholic community that continues to thrive here—a community rooted in faith, guided by hope, and united in love. The enduring presence of this faith reminds us of the shared values that bind humanity across time and geography: compassion, service, and the search for meaning.

Looking to the Future

On this quincentenary of Vasco da Gama's passing, let us reflect on the enduring legacy of his journeys. May his story inspire us to build bridges rather than barriers, to seek understanding across differences, and to celebrate the richness of our shared humanity.

And as we light candles in our homes and churches this Christmas Eve, let us remember the light that Vasco da Gama’s voyage brought to this town—a light that continues to shine brightly through the faith and fellowship of its people.

May the memory of Vasco da Gama, and the thriving Catholic community he left behind, guide us into the future with hope and unity.

New Year @ Fort Cochin

Traditionally, on New year day, everyone around Kochi goes to the Fort and the beach near it. That is an unbroken tradition. Our most colorful memories of childhood are around this Cochin ritual. 

This year though, the spirit was glum with Cyclone Ockhi and its disastrous aftermath. The authorities who run the Carnival had to shift the venue to Parade ground from the beach as there was no beach this year. The high tide and the rising sea after the storm had taken over the beach which used to be the venue for many events of the Christmas and New year Celebration at the fort. 

Burning of the Pappanji at the Parade Ground on New year eve, the last event of the year. 

Ofcourse, the children got the best view. :)

Tourists finding vantage points on their hotel walls for better photo opportunity of the carnival procession. 

The long evening lights keeping the spirits up on the New year evening at River Road, Fort Cochin. 

All around the Fort streets locals and tourist were waiting patiently for the carnival procession to arrive. 

Christmas @ Fort Cochin

Christmas is the most happiest time of the year at the Fort. It has always been so. The joy, the hope and the feeling of well being is lit with stars and lights all around the Fort. It's also the peak time of tourism. The best of the home made wines and cakes are served in the houses during Christmas. The home stays of Fort Cochin exude a special charm during the season. 

The week preceding the Christmas week saw shops selling Christmas gifts and lamps all over the place. The china made beautiful lights and stars were the main attraction. 

Merry Christmas Everyone. 

Vishu

Yellow themed prosperity festival, which marks the beginning of the year, is one of the dearest and favourite festivals in Kerala. Everyone wakes up early and bows before the preset bowl of abundance which has all the summer harvest produce - Mangoes, jackfruit, flowers, kumkum and the idol of lovely Krishna. An auspicious way of starting the new year, Vishu also denotes the summer equinox.

In the 9th Century, the Travancore King convened a meeting of the scholars and set the calendar with few changes and started anew. So in Kerala, unlike the rest of the country, the new year starts in Chingam, the malayalam month, which falls in August - September in the Onam days.

The festival is a great way to connect with the past when life was more nature bound, the typical phrases and the entertainment involved in these days are great nostalgic reminders of the days and the people who went by.

Fort Cochin Carnival

Tourists taking pictures at Veli while waiting for the start.

 The Cochin Carnival started with the Portuguese. We do not know  how the tradition survived during the Calvinist Dutch period when most of the Catholics were sent out of the Fort. After the Independence, the Carnival is taken over and kept alive by our local enthusiasts who are doing a wonderful job in the last few years.

The excitement, the thrill, the crowd has not changed over the years. We always wanted to be at Fort Cochin on the New Year Day to be part of the spirit.

Cochin is one in spirit when it comes the Carnival. This year we have seen unprecedented crowd both during the New Year Eve and also on the Carnival Day. Yes, the spirit of Cochin is spreading.

Participants refreshing themselves just before the start.

The crowds thronged the street when the carnival procession passed by.

The floats were interesting and innovative in their themes and installation.

Kochi Muziris Biennale 2014

As Historians and those who share the history of Fort Cochin with many who visit Fort Cochin everyday, Kochi Muziris Biennale is a pleasant surprise and joy for us. The event has put Kochi back in the lime light as it was when it was termed as "Emporium of the world" by travellers in the early centuries. KMB foundation has made Kochi the art emporium which everyone is talking about and visiting. The first few days so so many artists, writers, scholars and many visitors at the venue and all of them are just happy as we are about the way Kochi has become the platform for the contemplations on history and finding a new language to express it.

Wonderful effort KMB foundation. Congratulations team KMB. We love our Biennale.

World Tourism Day 2014

Kerala remains the most literate state. Our effort to educate everyone in the state started very early. Fort Cochin Heritage Walkers, infront of Santa Cruz High School, which was started in the year 1888 at #FortCochin. 

Our first walk on the world Tourism Day of 2014 was a learning experience for us indeed. We got a lot of helpful tips and advice from our walkers who were very enthusiastic travellers who have explored our country  very well and has travelled abroad and has been part of many heritage walks in different parts of the world. 

We gladly acknowledge their good heart and experience they shared with us happily.