Kumbazha is a main junction nestled within the heart of Pathanamthitta Municipality of Pathanamthitta Town, located in Kerala state, India. The serene Achenkovil river gracefully meanders through this historic locale. The town's prominence is further accentuated by the terminus of the Thiruvalla - Kumbazha (SH-7) road, also known as the T.K road.[1] Once a bustling marketplace, Kumbazha derives its name from the Malayalam word "Kumbhi," signifying an elephant, hinting at its past grandeur.
Kumbazha | |
---|---|
Town | |
Coordinates: 9°15′0″N 76°48′0″E / 9.25000°N 76.80000°E | |
Country | ![]() |
State | Kerala |
District | Pathanamthitta |
Languages | |
• Official | Malayalam, English |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Vehicle registration | KL-03 |
Climate | Tropical (Köppen) |
Location
editKumbazha Jn. is 3 km away from Pathanamthitta Central Jn and is considered as the east exit of Pathanamthitta town. It is the meeting point of two major state highways, T.K.Road (SH - 07) and Main Eastern Highway (Punalur-Pathanamthitta-Muvattupuzha Road / SH - 08). The proposed new MC road (Thiruvananthapuram–Angamaly Greenfield Highway) passes through Kumbazha.
Pilgrim Centres
editKumbazha serves as the main access route for visitors going to the Malayalappuzha Devi Temple. It also hosts several significant religious sites, including the Valanchuzhy Temple, St. Simeon's Cathedral, and St. Mary's Orthodox Valiya Cathedral, along with various other pilgrimage centers.
Kumbazha is home to a large Christian community, with churches found in nearly every part of the town. The Kumbazha St. Mary's Orthodox Valiya Cathedral is particularly notable, as it is the oldest church in the area, whereas the St. Simeon's Cathedral is the largest church.
Festivals
editSamyuktha Christmas Celebration in Kumbazha is a vibrant celebration held every year on December 25, uniting the Christian community and welcoming people from all beliefs. Marking its 50th consecutive festival in 2022, this event is considered the biggest Christmas celebration in Central Travancore, attracting thousands and thousands of participants every year. Churches across the town collaborate to organize activities such as carol singing, nativity plays, and community feasts, with decorated streets and special services creating a festive atmosphere. This celebration highlights the spirit of unity and communal harmony, showcasing Kumbazha's strong Christian heritage and drawing the local community together for an annual festive spectacle.
See also
editExternal links
editReferences
edit- ^ "Census of India : Villages with population 5000 & above". Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2008.