This is the mother of all Christmas trees. Hundreds will throng Fort Kochi just to catch a glimpse of its giant illuminated canopy and marvel at the stars, baubles, clay bells, and Santa Claus figurines hanging from it. Come Christmas day, the 80-foot tall, 200-year-old rain tree that occupies pride of place on Veli Ground will be lit up with at least 1,500 string lights. Atop the tree is a huge star.

The illuminated tree | Photo Credit: VIBHU H

Over the years, the tree has become an iconic image of Christmas in Kochi — the biggest, natural, live Christmas tree. Entering its Silver Jubilee year of existence as a Christmas tree in 2024-25, efforts are on to celebrate it.

It all began with a bunch of young boys, who used to play cricket on Veli Ground. “All of us are born and brought up in Fort Kochi and Veli Ground was our favourite hangout. We used to decorate the streets during Christmas and organise funds to distribute gifts to underprivileged children. In the year 2000, one of us had a brainwave. We decided to decorate the rain tree, which has stood witness to all our shenanigans,” says Sanoj PS, secretary of Knights United Sports Club, Fort Kochi, a club that has been in charge of decorating the tree.

“The year we started, in 2000, we were three clubs — Spark, Eagles and Sharjah — who were involved with decorating the tree. But as years rolled by, people started coming forward from other clubs, too. By 2008-2010, we formed the Knights United Sports Club,” he adds.

The rain tree | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

For the members of the club, the tree is a passion project. By mid September, they get together and start planning, designing and organising fund collection drives. By the first week of December, things are in place, adds Sanoj. By January, the Club is disbanded, until they regroup for Christmas the following year.

Great care is taken while designing the decorations; the clay bells, for instance, are made to order and the Santa figurines this year will not be red in colour. This year over 300 baubles and 400 stars will find a place on the tree. “We have more surprise elements, which will be revealed on Christmas day,” says Sanoj. Though in the middle of Fort Kochi, the preparations are done with much secrecy. “We will test the lights only on December 22, 4am, when the town is fast asleep,” he adds.

Even the members who have migrated to other countries, participate in the festivities through social media. Says Clintin Joseph from the UK, who was past secretary and an active member. “We keep the spirit of the season alive by keeping track of the festivities. The tree brings back so many memories of home. It is so much a part of our lives,” Clintin adds.

The tree decoration is done by the members of the club themselves. However, they do have random people pitching in. “We have had youngsters helping out with the work. It is a towering tree, but we have people who climb up to the topmost point,” Sanoj says.

The club has about 200 members now and they raise the funds for tree decoration. Theirs is an independent effort and they are not part of the Cochin Carnival, the members assert.

“Christmas in Fort Kochi is an emotion and our tree is an integral part of its character,” says Clintin.

A curtain raiser event will be held on December 22, 7pm, at Veli Ground as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations. The lighting of the star will be held after which a musical event featuring DJ Savyo among others. The tree will be lit up on Christmas day at 7pm.