Medak Church Christmas celebrations draw lakhs to Asia’s largest church
Hyderabad: Christmas celebrations have begun in a grand manner at Medak Church, widely recognised as Asia’s largest church, attracting nearly one lakh devotees and tourists during the festive season.
The iconic Gothic cathedral now glows with festive lights and decorations. Known for promoting love, peace and tolerance, the church draws visitors from different faiths and remains a major spiritual and tourist destination throughout the year, police and church authorities said.
Beyond religion, Medak Church reflects a strong social legacy. During the First World War, the Medak region suffered severe drought and famine. At that time, church construction offered employment to hundreds of labourers through a ‘food for work’ model. Workers from Medak, Ramayampet, Chinnashankarampet, Kocharam, Veldurthi, Nagireddypet and Lingampet helped build the structure.
Missionary Charles Walker Fawcett from England envisioned the cathedral. He arrived in India in 1895 and later served in Madras and Secunderabad before his posting to Medak in 1897. Finding the existing church smaller than his residence, he decided to construct a grand cathedral as a symbol of faith and service.
Medak Church Christmas celebrations showcase unique architecture
Construction began in 1914 and continued for a decade. Fawcett finalised the design after preparing nearly 200 models with engineer Brady in England. Builders used stone and lime to create the Gothic-style structure, which features a 17.3-foot-high tower, spans 180 feet in width and stretches 200 feet in length.
The interiors stand out for their craftsmanship. Italian white, red and black tiles cover the flooring. Artisans carved the Bible reading platform in the shape of a falcon using cedar wood. A Rangoon teak dining table and rosewood furniture further enhance the cathedral’s character.
Stained glass windows remain a key attraction during Medak Church Christmas celebrations. Artist Prand ‘O’ Salis Aire from Bandane created the panels, which portray major events from the life of Jesus Christ. Scenes of the Nativity, Crucifixion and Ascension appear vividly when sunlight passes through the glass.
After the formation of the Church of South India in 1947, Medak Church became the diocesan headquarters and later gained cathedral status. Today, the Medak Diocese manages religious, educational and social institutions across Medak, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts.
Every year, Christmas festivities continue for three days after December 25. Devotees from India and abroad attend special prayers and seek blessings, while tourists throng the site, making Medak Church Christmas celebrations among Telangana’s most prominent festive events.
About The Author
