Fort Kochi's legendary, natural Christmas tree: What's in store this year?

A 200-year-old rain tree in Kerala's Fort Kochi has become a Christmas season icon in the state for the past few years. The reason? From its massive size, which accommodates thousands of string lights and hundreds of stars and baubles, to the community spirit it evokes, bringing people together to raise funds for this decoration, there are many. This year too, this natural Christmas tree has a lot in store for those waiting to catch a glimpse of it. Here's everything you need to know, from its history and decorations to tourist tips. 

Where is the tree, when is it lit?
The 80-foot-tall tree is in the Veli Ground, which is around 5 acres in area. It will be officially lit on Christmas Day, December 25th, at 7 pm. Every day, it will be lit from around 6.45 pm to midnight. This is till January 1 early morning. 

Who can go?
Anyone is welcome to experience it. According to Sanoj P S, President of Knights United Sports Club of Fort Kochi, which takes up the decoration every year, families are the biggest crowd to come and experience the tree. 

What to expect this year?
The tree will have around 1,800 string lights, more than a lakh of bulbs, two big stars, including a self-made neon star, and around 50 dancing balls with lights inside them. Every year, the club gives the tree a colour theme, and it stays a surprise till the Christmas Day lighting. 

When did the tradition begin?
It began as a humble attempt around 25 years ago, when a group of local boys who played cricket in the area decided to decorate the massive tree for Christmas. They belonged to several local clubs at the time and, around 2010, formed the 'Knights United Sports Club' that came together only for the Christmas tree decoration every year.

How do they fund the initiative?
Sanoj says that while they have received sponsorship offers, the club has never accepted them to keep its local spirit alive and to keep finances uncomplicated. The donations come from the local people, club members and other interested donors. 

What are the programmes in store this season?
While the Christmas lighting is on December 25, there will be a DJ Night featuring DJ Savyo on December 23, from 7 pm. On Christmas Day, there is a 'chendamelam' percussion performance by differently-abled children. Entry is free for all events. 

Safety
Sanoj says that there will be around 50,000 visitors every evening at the Veli ground after the official lighting. A few policemen are also deployed for safety. Most of the crowd consists of families, he says. "Many people even do cake cutting under the tree as families," Sanoj says.  

Dining options
The area has many thattukadas, bajji stores, ice cream stands, bun-maska stands, and cool drink joints. Around half a kilometre away, you can also find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian hotels of different budgets, Sanoj says. 

What else to know
As the area can get crowded around the time of the tree lighting, reach the Veli ground by 5.30 - 6 pm. 

How to reach?
If you are coming from the Kaloor direction, take the Kaloor-Thevara Bridge-Thoppumpady Bridge-Beach Road route. Once you reach the dead end here, take the right and reach Veli grounds after 1.5 km.