Kochi: It was a sight to behold at the Ernakulam Town Hall on Sunday — pairs of identical faces everywhere you looked. Over 200 pairs of twins and several sets of triplets, dressed in matching clothes, came together in what could easily be called one of Kerala’s most unique gatherings. From toddlers barely learning to walk to elderly twins pushing eighty, the celebration was a kaleidoscope of stories, laughter, and sheer togetherness. 

Around 300 members of the All Kerala Twins Community (AKTC) — all twins or triplets — filled the hall with colour and chatter. Cultural programmes, songs, and dances turned the day into a festive Onam reunion, complete with a large Pookalam at the entrance and a sumptuous Onasadya. 

Two-year-old Adwaik and Anvek, the youngest in the community, were seen marvelling at the flower carpet, trying to pluck petals to play with, until their father, Suman, gently held them back. “Usually, our generation goes for a single-child family. But we always wanted two kids. When God gave them both together, we were so happy,” said Suman, who had travelled from Palakkad with his family after spotting the event on Instagram. 

On the other end of the spectrum were 78-year-olds M U Krishnan and M U Raman from Vengoor, the eldest in the group. The retired postal superintendent and his brother smiled at the sight of so many familiar yet unfamiliar faces. “Most of us don’t know each other. This gathering is a platform to get to know, to connect. We thank the organisers for the wonderful event,” Krishnan said warmly. 

The meet was filled with anecdotes that had the hall ringing with laughter. When the triplets Saritha, Savitha, and Sangeetha from Cherthala revealed that they were named after three iconic theatres in Ernakulam, the audience erupted in applause and chuckles. 

For many, the gathering was more than just fun — it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “We never thought we’d see so many people like us in one place,” said 74-year-old Cherian Paul from Kuzhipalli near Cherai, who came with his twin brother Joseph Paul. “It feels like family. We hope this fraternity continues forever.” 

From WhatsApp group to association 
What began in 2018 as a small WhatsApp community of twins has now grown into a registered association with over 1,000 members. “This is our third meeting, but the first time at such a large scale,” said Ragesh P R, joint secretary of the All Twins Association (ATA). “It’s basically a platform for all twins and triplets to mingle, support each other.” 

His twin brother, Rahul PR, added that the group was slowly expanding its scope beyond camaraderie. “This year, we helped a few twin students by providing them with study materials. We want to reach out more, to support all our members,” he said.