The historic Veli Ground in Fort Kochi has once again become the epicenter of holiday magic as the city’s legendary “Muthassi” (Grandmother) tree—a majestic, 200-year-old rain tree—was illuminated on Christmas evening. Standing nearly 80 feet tall, the natural giant serves as the centerpiece of the annual Big Tree Festival, a community-led celebration that has grown from a local tradition into a global tourist attraction.

As the sun set on December 25, thousands gathered to witness the official “lights on” ceremony. This year, the tree is adorned with a breathtaking display featuring nearly 1,800 string lights, over a lakh of bulbs, and a massive 40-kg handcrafted neon star perched high in its canopy.

What makes the Fort Kochi Christmas tree unique is its origin story. The tradition began roughly 25 years ago when a group of local boys, who spent their evenings playing cricket at Veli Ground, decided to decorate the massive tree for the holidays. Today, the event is managed by the Knights United Sports Club. Despite its massive scale—drawing an estimated 50,000 visitors nightly—the club famously declines major corporate sponsorships to preserve the grassroots, “middle-class” spirit of the festival. The entire display is funded through contributions from residents and club members, many of whom take leave from their daily jobs to hand-install the decorations.

Inaugural Ceremony: This year’s lighting ceremony featured popular actor Soubin Shahir, adding a touch of stardom to the local festivities.
Cultural Vibrancy: The evening included a spirited Chendamelam (traditional percussion) performance by differently-abled children, highlighting the festival’s inclusive nature.
The “Secret” Theme: Every year, the club chooses a specific color theme for the decorations, keeping it a closely guarded secret until the moment the switch is flipped on Christmas Day.

The illuminated rain tree is not just a photo opportunity; it is a gathering place where families cut Christmas cakes and tourists soak in the unique “Old Kochi” vibe.
Timings: The tree is lit every evening from approximately 6:45 PM until midnight.
Duration: The illumination will continue nightly until the early morning of January 1, culminating in the grand New Year celebrations of the Cochin Carnival.
Pro Tip: Due to massive crowds, organizers recommend arriving by 5:30 PM and parking vehicles at least 100 meters away from Veli Ground to avoid congestion.