Christian organisations and residents in southern Tamil Nadu have appealed to the state government to declare Good Friday a dry day, requesting the closure of all liquor outlets run by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).

The appeal comes from communities in Thoothukudi district, where banners have been installed across several areas urging authorities to suspend liquor sales on the day Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Good Friday is one of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar, marked by prayer, fasting and remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death.

Awareness campaign across coastal towns

Christian organisations and parish groups have launched an awareness campaign across Thoothukudi district to highlight the request.

Banners calling for a liquor-free Good Friday have appeared near major churches and neighbourhoods, including areas around the Our Lady of Snows Basilica, as well as Fatima Nagar, Gandhinagar, Lions Town, Market St Anthony’s Church area, Inigo Nagar, Threspuram and Cruzpuram.

The campaign has also spread to nearby towns and fishing villages such as Kootapuli, Perumanal, Uvari, Kuduthalai, Veerapandianpattanam, Manappad and Alanthalai, among others.

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

Appeal to the state government

Members of the Christian community have urged the Tamil Nadu government to adopt a policy decision under Assembly Rule 110 declaring Good Friday a permanent dry day across the state.

They have also requested that a government order be issued before the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect ahead of upcoming elections.

Community leaders noted that liquor sales are already suspended on several occasions of national and religious importance in the state, including:

  • Gandhi Jayanti
  • Thiruvalluvar Day
  • Mahavir Jayanti
  • Milad-un-Nabi

They say Good Friday should receive similar recognition out of respect for the Christian community.

Region’s strong Christian heritage

Thoothukudi district holds a significant place in Tamil Nadu’s Christian heritage and is home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Thoothukudi, one of the largest Catholic populations in the state.

The region has historically been associated with missionary activity linked to figures such as Francis Xavier, Robert Caldwell and George Uglow Pope.

Alongside Catholics, the area also has vibrant communities belonging to the Church of South India, Pentecostal churches and other Christian denominations.

Local residents say the appeal reflects a collective hope that the solemn nature of Good Friday will be respected in public life across Tamil Nadu.


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