Saint Thomas

St Thomas History

Saint Thomas Day, also known as Feast of Saint Thomas, is one of the important Christian festivals celebrated in India. The day is observed to commemorate the martyrdom of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Saint Thomas is believed to have come to India in 52 AD, where he preached and established churches in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. According to legend, Saint Thomas was martyred by being speared to death in the eastern state of Tamil Nadu, where he had built a church in Mylapore. The church, now known as the Santhome Basilica Cathedral, is a revered pilgrimage site for Christians in India.

The day is celebrated with great zeal and religious fervor, particularly by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Activities such as prayer meetings, processions, and special church services are organized on this day. It is a day of remembrance and devotion, and it is also an opportunity for Christians in India to reflect on the life and teachings of Saint Thomas.

Saint Thomas Day is a reminder of the rich Christian heritage of India and the contributions of Saint Thomas towards its growth and development. The occasion also provides a platform for interfaith dialogue and encourages people of different faiths to come together and celebrate the diversity and unity of India. Saint Thomas Day is observed annually on July 3rd.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 Saint Thomas in India

• In India, Saint Thomas Day is traditionally observed on July 3 and is profoundly significant to the Nasrani community, who trace their spiritual lineage back to the arrival of the Apostle in the ancient port of Muziris around 52 AD.
• This day, often referred to as Dukhrana, a Syriac term meaning remembrance, commemorates the martyrdom of the saint in 72 AD at St. Thomas Mount in Chennai.
• A unique cultural hallmark of this observance is the veneration of the Mar Thoma Sliba, or Saint Thomas Cross, which is distinct from the Western crucifix because it lacks a corpus and features a descending dove and a lotus flower to symbolize the Holy Spirit and Indian heritage.
• Historical interest often centers on the legend of the Ezharappallikal, or the Seven and a Half Churches, which are the original Christian communities believed to have been established by the Apostle across the Malabar Coast and Tamil Nadu.
• Many pilgrims travel to the Santhome Cathedral Basilica in Chennai, which is one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus Christ.
• The feast is celebrated as Indian Christians' Day to honor the long-standing indigenous history of Christianity in the subcontinent, predating European colonial influence by over a millennium.
• Local traditions in Kerala often include the singing of the Margam Kali, an ancient art form that describes the life and missionary work of Saint Thomas in India through rhythmic dance and song.
• Significant attention is given to the site of Malayattoor, where the Apostle is said to have left his footprints in rock while praying in the hills, making it a major center for trekking and spiritual devotion during the festival season.
• The observance highlights the shared heritage of various denominations, including the Syro-Malabar Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, reflecting the diverse yet unified identity of the Saint Thomas Christians.

In the News and Trending in India for Saint Thomas

Top things to do in India for Saint Thomas Day

• Read writings by St. Thomas. Several early church documents bearing Thomas' name are popular, including the Gospel of Thomas, which is a collection of Jesus' sayings. Other texts include the Acts of Thomas and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. None of these texts were included in the Bible.
• Thousands of Indians claim to be descendants of the Christians that Thomas helped to convert. Join them on a pilgrimage in Paylador to the traditional spot of Thomas' tomb, Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral of the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Trichur (Kerala, India).
• Watch St. Thomas (India) (2008), a documentary that explores the life and legacy of Saint Thomas in India.
• Visit St. Thomas Mount. This is a historical shrine located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, believed to be the place where Saint Thomas was martyred. On Saint Thomas Day, the shrine attracts many Christian devotees.