Chathenkary | |
---|---|
Village | |
![]() Aerial view of St. Paul's Marthoma Church | |
Coordinates: 9°38′0″N76°52′0″E / 9.63333°N 76.86667°E | |
Country | ![]() |
State | Kerala |
District | Pathanamthitta |
Highest elevation | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) |
Lowest elevation | −1 m (−3 ft) |
Population (2001) | |
• Total | 15,089 |
Languages | |
• Official | Malayalam, English |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
PIN | 689112 |
Vehicle registration | KL-27 |
Nearest city | Thiruvalla |
Lok Sabha constituency | Pathanamthitta |
Vidhan Sabha constituency | Thiruvalla |
Chathenkary is a village in the Peringara gram panchayat in the Thiruvalla taluk of the Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. [1]
Chathenkary is rural village part of the Upper Kuttanad geographical area. Chathenkary is located 1.7 kilometres west of Peringara and 6 km east of Thiruvalla.It lies within the unique ecosystem of Kuttanad, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala" due to its vast paddy fields and intricate network of backwaters.
The origin of the name "Chathenkary" (or similar village names in Kerala, India) is likely rooted in the local Malayalam language, cultural traditions, or historical influences.
The prefix "Chathen"might derive from "Chathan" (ചാത്തൻ), a term referring to a local deity, spirit, or ancestral figure in Kerala's folk traditions. Many villages in Kerala are named after deities or spiritual entities.
The suffix *"-kary"* could come from *"kari"* (കരി), meaning "land" or "shore" in Malayalam.This suffix is common in place names in the Kuttanad region, where Chathenkary is located.
Flooding, salinity intrusion, and climate change threaten Kuttanad’s below-sea-level farms, impacting Chathenkary’s livelihoods. Rising water levels and unpredictable weather test the resilience of its agrarian base.
Beyond farming, fishing and small businesses supplement income. The village’s scenic backwaters and cultural heritage hold potential for eco-tourism, offering a sustainable boost if developed responsibly.
Chathenkary is home to a vibrant cultural and religious life, reflective of Kerala's diverse traditions. The village hosts several places of worship, including:
A significant Christian worship center in the village, serving the Mar Thoma Syrian Church community. [2]
A local Hindu temple dedicated to a deity, reflecting the village's spiritual heritage.
Located in nearby Alumthuruthy, approximately 0.91 miles from Chathenkary, catering to the Malankara Catholic community.
A Pentecostal church serving the local Christian population.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kerala Congress (M) and Indian National Congress are the major political parties in this area.
Private bus available from Chathenkary junction to other parts of Kerala.
Thiruvalla railway station is near station to Chathenkary.
Cochin International Airport Nedumbassery is 115 km away from Chathenkary.