Tharuvaikulam

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name=Tharuvaikulam


latd = 8.895 |longd= 78.166
state_name=Tamil Nadu
district= Thoothukudi
population_as_of = 2001 | population_total = 6178 | population_density = 16.75
area_telephone=91 461
postal_code= 628105
vehicle_code_range= TN 69

Tharuvaikulam ( _ta. 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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Geography and Location

Tharuvaikulam is located 10 Km from the town Thoothukudi in sea shore of Bay of Bengal in Tamil NaduOttapidaram Taluka.

In the olden days the people fully depended on palm tree and fishing work.

Later in 1974 one matches factory developed by Rev. Fr. Amprose. Thousands of villagers benefitted from this.

Mathar Sangam developed in these days. They did much social work.

One primary health center was run by state government and lot many villagers benefitted.

Places of interest

= 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. During the month of September, the church attracts huge crowds for the feast of St.Michael which is celebrated with religious pomp and gaiety.

Church of St.Nicholas

Famous for its 10 day festival.around Thoothukudi district this is only one of the st.Nicholas church.it is reside center of the Tharuvaikulam village. festival is commence on end of the January month that is last Friday

= Church of St.Antony=

Famous for its 13 day festival. Traditionally, newly-weds visit this church for blessings.People now-a-days giving traditional "Assanam" i.e Thanks to St. Antony for his prayer to God for the people who blessed.

Beach

Calm and sandy beach. In olden days people walked all the way to Thoothukudi by the shore.

= 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.Navamani Ex.Parish Priest of tharuvaikulam called / known as kamaraj.

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. It should be noted that 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 quiet popular in the region. Red chilies are another favorite from the region. The vagaries of weather, however do not permit regular cultivation.

Education

# St.Anne's Primary school
# St.Michael Primary School
# Government Higher Secondary School

Prominent People

Chevalier Father S.Navamani who was a popular parish priest; Maria Singarayar in whose honor the only public library is named after.

External links

* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tharuvai/ Yahoo! Groups]
* [http://www.tharuvai.com/ Home of Tharuvaikulam]
* [http://www.tuticorinnews.blogspot.com/ Latest news from Thoothukudi]
* [http://www.thoothukudi.nic.in/ Official website of Thoothukudi District]