Thamarassery is situated on the south west coast of India. In a land area of 5,893 square kilometers, the diocesan territory is bounded on the north by Kannur, on the east by Wayanad, on the south by Malappuram and on the west by the Arabian Sea. The patroness of this eparchy is St. Alphonsa.

Brief History
Thamarassery Diocese came into existence in 1986. Pope John Paul II erected the diocese of Thamarassery on April 28, 1986 by the Bull "Constat Non Modo" bifurcating the diocese of Tellicherry. The eparchy of Thamarassery consists of the two revenue districts of Calicut and Malappuram.

The Catholics of this diocese are the migrants from the central part of Kerala.

Bishop Sebastian Mankuzhikary, then Auxiliary Bishop of Ernakulam was appointed the first Bishop of Thamarassery on the same day by the Bull "Pro Munere Nostro de Singulis". The Diocese was formally inaugurated and the Bishop took charge on the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle of India, July 3, 1986 at the Sacred Heart Church, Thiruvampady.

Bishop Sebastian Mankuzhikary died on June 11,1994. Bishop Jacob Thoomkuzhy from Mananthavady was transferred to Thamarassery and he took charge on July 28, 1995. When he was made the Archbishop of Trichur, Bishop Paul Chittilapilly from Kalyan Diocese took charge of the diocese on Feb. 13, 1997.

Topography
Thamarassery known as the gateway of Wayanad district, is a small picturesque town in Kozhikode-Wayanad Road. Thamarassery is beautiful place blessed with greenery, small streams and hills. Thamarassery spreads across 56 square kilometers.

Climate
The district has a humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The most important rainy season is during the South West Monsoon which sets in the first week of June and extends up to September. The Northeast Monsoon extends from the second half of October through November. The average annual rainfall is 3,266 mm. During December to March, practically no rain is received and from October onwards, the temperature gradually increases to reach the maximum in May, which is the hottest month of the year. The maximum temperature in the month of May comes to 36º C.

Population
The total population of the diocesan territory is 6,056, 500. Thamarassery has been a multi-ethnic and multi- religious town. Hindus forms the largest community followed by Muslims and Christians respectively.

Economy
The economy of Thamarassery diocese is mainly based on agriculture. Rubber and coconuts are the main cultivations. Major industries include timber industry and tile-making. A huge portion of its male population is employed in gulf countries, and the money they send home plays an important part in the local economy.

Political structure
Thamarassery belongs to Kozhikode district. Kozhikode city is administered by the Kozhikode Corporation, headed by a Mayor. The administration of Thamarassery is carried out by Thamarassery Panchayath.

Telecommunications
The level of telecommunications infrastructure is high. Almost everyone has a mobile phone. Most of the homes have television, telephone and internet. In rural areas access to internet is limited.

There are no television broadcasting stations in the territory but there are 3 radio stations. One is owned by the government. The other two are private FM stations having started broadcasting recently. Thamarassery diocese is the home of the first Catholic television channel in India-shalom television.

Transportation
The territory is well connected with roads. The train service is limited to major towns. Calicut Airport is nearly 70 kilometers from the diocesan headquarters.

Literacy
Literacy rate in the diocesan territory is 92.24%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.

Languages
Malayalam and Englishare in use.

Other Helpful Information

The website of Thamarassery Diocese is available at: www.dioceseofthamarassery.org