Faithful in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi Appeal for Statewide Dry Day on Good Friday

Thoothukudi, March 6, 2026: Christians in parts of southern Tamil Nadu have launched an appeal to the state government to declare Good Friday a dry day, urging the closure of government-run liquor outlets across the state in respect of the solemn Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

In Thoothukudi district, Christian organisations and local residents have put up awareness banners in several areas calling for the suspension of liquor sales at Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) outlets on the sacred day. The initiative reflects a growing sentiment among the faithful that the day, which is marked by prayer, fasting and remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death, should be observed with due respect across the state.

The banners highlight that liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu remain closed on several occasions of national and religious importance, including Gandhi Jayanti, Thiruvalluvar Day, Mahavir Jayanti, Milad-un-Nabi, and the remembrance day of Ramalinga Adigalar at Vadalur. In the same spirit, residents have urged the government to extend similar recognition to Good Friday by declaring it a liquor-free day.

Members of the public have also appealed to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to take a policy decision under Assembly Rule 110 and issue a permanent announcement declaring Good Friday a dry day throughout the state. They have further requested that the necessary Government Order be issued before the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect ahead of the upcoming elections.

As part of the awareness drive, banners have appeared in numerous locations across Thoothukudi district, including areas near the diocesan cathedral and the renowned Our Lady of Snows Basilica, as well as neighbourhoods such as Fatima Nagar, Gandhinagar, Lions Town, Market St. Anthony’s Church area, Inigo Nagar, Threspuram and Cruzpuram.

The campaign has also spread to surrounding towns and coastal villages, including T. Xavierpuram, Anna Nagar, Lourdammalpuram, Mullakadu Xaveriarpuram, Muthayapuram, Pudukottai and Innaciarpuram, along with fishing communities such as Kootapuli, Perumanal, Kuthenkulli, Uvari, Kuduthalai, Periyathalai, Veerapandianpattanam, Manappad and Alanthalai. Additional banners have appeared in Tiruchendur Amalinagar, Punnaikayal, Authoor Sernthapoomangalam, Mukkani, Palayakayal, Nattarkulam, Tharuvaikulam, Keela Vaipar and Vembar.

Local faithful and parish development committees have taken the lead in installing the banners and raising awareness about the appeal.

The call from Thoothukudi carries particular significance given the region’s strong Christian heritage. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Thoothukudi is known for having one of the largest Catholic populations in the state and serves communities across Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts.

The coastal region also holds an important place in Christian history, having been a centre of missionary activity associated with Francis Xavier, as well as scholars such as Robert Caldwell and George Uglow Pope. In addition to Catholics, the area is home to vibrant communities belonging to the Church of South India, Pentecostal and other Christian traditions.

For many residents, the appeal represents a collective request that the solemn nature of Good Friday be respected in public life. Social activists and members of the Christian community expressed hope that the Tamil Nadu government will consider the long-standing plea and declare the day liquor-free across the state.

By Abhishek Raja