388 cells on 2 floors, this Kerala cemetery beats space crunch

For 18 years, the parishioners of St. Alphonsa’s Church at Vallakkunnu, near Irinjalakuda, in Thrissur longed for a cemetery of their own. When the dream became finally a reality, it went beyond their expectations as the structure stood out of the traditional layout of a burial site.

Unlike the open burial grounds on church compounds, the new cemetery at Vallakkunnu stands tall as a two-storey building with 388 burial cells inside. The unique design has attracted many, including those outside the parish since its blessing and inauguration on May 25.

The covered facility ensures that mourners can participate in funeral ceremonies from both levels of the building regardless of weather conditions. Though there are churches with cell-based cemeteries in Kerala, a two-storey covered structure is reportedly unique in the State.

The structure was designed to make use of the available space without compromising on the requirements and by addressing environmental concerns. The cemetery has come up on nearly one acre, purchased by the parishioners. The structure occupies 25% of the plot.

“Ever since the Vallakkunnu parish was established in 2008, the members wanted a dedicated cemetery. However, we could not build one due to various reasons including land scarcity and legal restrictions. In 2018, we purchased 24 cents of land additionally for the purpose and got necessary permissions. Now, we have a cemetery that one might mistake for a modern building,” said Roy Marathanpilly, a parishoner active in laity activities.

He said earlier, the parishoners used to bury the deceased family members in cemeteries of Kallettinkara, Mulloor and Muriyad churches as Vallakkunnu parish was carved out of the three parishes. After the new cemetery was opened, some families have started shifting the mortal remains of their kin to the new facility, Mr. Roy said.

Architect Manosh Thomas, who designed the project, said he only aimed at a judicious use of available space within legal constraints. He said the descriptions otherwise were a bit out of place. “Vaulted cemeteries are already in place. It is just that we built one in a building-like structure. The present structure serves all the fundamental requirements of a cemetery. Now, any design works can be added to it to bring the characteristics of a traditional cemetery,” he said.

The structure was built at a cost of ₹1.75 crore.