St. Casimir’s Church Festival (Madampivila)

About this event

St. Casimir’s Church at Kadavoor, near Mathilil in Kollam, is a historic Roman Catholic church situated close to the scenic Ashtamudi Lake. The first permanent church building at the site was erected in 1873, and the present structure dates from a later reconstruction, completed in 1993, followed by renovation in 2013. Although the church is dedicated to Saint Casimir, its principal annual parish celebration is the feast of Saint George, traditionally observed over an extended period in April. Kerala Tourism records the annual festival at St. Casimir’s Church as a ten-day celebration from April 27 to May 7, while other local references describe the parish feast as extending over a longer period; the exact programme and dates therefore follow the parish’s annual arrangements. A shrine dedicated to Saint George stands in front of the church and forms an important part of the site’s religious identity. The festival brings together parishioners and devotees for religious observances, prayers and other customary activities associated with the annual feast. As with parish festivals throughout Kerala, the celebration provides an important occasion for community participation and fellowship alongside its devotional character. The church’s location near the waters of Ashtamudi Lake adds a distinctive character to the setting, with the surrounding landscape forming part of the visual appeal of the Kadavoor area. The historic church building, its prominent cross and flagstaff, and the Saint George shrine contribute to the religious and architectural character of the premises. The festival is therefore best experienced as a local Christian parish celebration rooted in the devotional life of the community rather than as a large-scale cultural spectacle. Visitors interested in Kollam’s Christian heritage can combine the occasion with an exploration of the historic religious sites and waterfront landscape around Kadavoor and Mathilil. The church belongs to the Latin Catholic Diocese of Quilon and continues to function as an active parish centre. During the feast, visitors should respect Mass timings, prayer services and parish arrangements, particularly when the premises are crowded. The celebration also illustrates the religious diversity of Kollam, where historic churches, temples and other places of worship form part of the district’s long-established cultural landscape. With its nineteenth-century origins, later reconstruction, Saint George devotion and setting beside Ashtamudi Lake, St. Casimir’s Church at Kadavoor remains a notable local landmark and an enduring centre of Catholic worship and community life in Kollam.

🚆 Railway: Kollam Junction Railway Station – approximately 2.5–3 km from St. Casimir’s Church, Kadavoor.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport – approximately 75 km by road.

🚌 Bus: The church is at Kadavoor, Mathilil, and is accessible by local buses from Kollam and surrounding areas. Local road transport is available from Kollam city.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation are available in Kollam city, including areas around Mathilil, Thevally and the city centre.

✅ Notes: The church is dedicated to St. Casimir, while its principal annual parish festival is associated with Saint George. Kerala Tourism records the festival as an annual celebration from April 27 to May 7; visitors should confirm the current year’s dates and programme with the parish before travelling.