Tharuvaikulam
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| Tharuvaikulam | |
| — village — | |
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| Coordinates | 8°53′42″N 78°09′58″E / 8.895°N 78.166°ECoordinates: 8°53′42″N 78°09′58″E / 8.895°N 78.166°E |
| Country | India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District(s) | Thoothukudi |
| Population • Density |
6,178 (2001[update]) • 16.75 /km2 (43 /sq mi) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
Tharuvaikulam (Tamil: தருவைக்குளம்) is a Village in Thoothukudi District of Tamil Nadu, South India. There are about 3000, mostly Catholic families living there. It boasts of some of the best Prawn hatcheries and Salt Pans in Tamil Nadu. It falls under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Thoothukudi and the feast of St.Michael is a popular religious festival.
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[edit] Geography and Location
Tharuvaikulam is located 10 km from the town Thoothukudi in sea shore of Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu, Ottapidaram Taluk.
In the olden days the people living here were fully depended on the palm tree and fishing.
Later in 1974 a match factory have been started by Rev. Fr. Ambrose which provided jobs and income to thousands of villagers.
Mathar Sangam developed in these days. They did much social work.
A primary health center is run by state government benefiting the villagers.
[edit] Places of interest
[edit] Church of St. Michael
This Roman Catholic church, with its towering steeple, was built in 1936 and symbolizes the faith of the people living there. From 20 to 29 September (10 days) the church attracts a huge crowd for the feast of St. Michael, which is celebrated with religious pomp and gaiety.
[edit] Church of St. Nicholas
Famous for its 10-day festival, around Thoothukudi district this is the only church for St. Nicholas. It resides at the center of the Tharuvaikulam village. The festival commence at the last Friday of January.
[edit] Church of St. Antony
Famous for its 13-day festival, traditionally, newlyweds visit this church for blessings. People nowadays give traditional "Assanam" i.e., Thanks to St. Antony for his prayer to God for the people who blessed.
[edit] Beach
Calm and sandy beach. In olden days people walked all the way to Thoothukudi by the shore.
[edit] Statue of Kamaraj
It has the most realistic look and feel than any other Kamaraj statues. It is situated in Tharuvaikulam Bus Stand. This statue always remember the Rev. Fr. Navamani Ex. Parish Priest of Tharuvaikulam called/known as Kamaraj.
[edit] Economy
Fishing is the major industry. Tharuvai fishermen use both mechanized and non-mechanized country boats for fishing. Prized catch include Tiger prawns and lobsters which are mostly exported. Coral mining and diving for conches is also found here, though mostly the trade is declining. The government actively discourages these activities as Tharuvaikulam falls under the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
A number of prawn hatcheries had sprouted up since 1990, but most shut down by 2000. However, still there are a few profitable hatcheries operating here.
Salt mining is another lucrative industry. Production is mostly for industrial use.
In olden times there was a flourishing trade in palm tree products which has gradually declined over a period of time.
Agriculture is practiced on a small scale. Tharuvaikulam tomatoes are quite popular in the region. Red chilies are another favorite from the region. The vagaries of weather, however do not permit regular cultivation.
[edit] Education
- St. Anne's Primary School.
- St. Michael Primary School.
- Government Higher Secondary School.
- TDTA Primary School
[edit] Prominent People
Chevalier Father S.Navamani who was a popular parish priest; Maria Singarayar in whose honour the public library is named after.
[edit] External links
- Yahoo! Groups
- Home of Tharuvaikulam
- Latest news from Thoothukudi
- Official website of Thoothukudi District
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