Thekkans Aura, the biggest European Knanaya Youth Convention in the EU came to a triumphant close in Frankfurt, drawing more than 140 KCYL members from across Europe and beyond for three days of faith, fellowship, leadership and cultural celebration.
Jointly organised by KCYL Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH), the convention welcomed participants not only from the DACH region but also from Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and the United States - making it one of the most geographically diverse gatherings of Knanaya youth ever held on the continent.
Day 1 - Friday, July 10
Arrivals and Opening Prayer
The convention opened with participant check-in through the afternoon, as delegates collected their name badges and settled into the hostel. Friends separated by borders greeted one another in the corridors; for many, it was the first time meeting faces they had only known through screens.
The programme began in prayer, with a rosary that set a reflective tone for the weekend ahead.
Meet and Greet with the Archbishop
A highlight of the opening evening was the Meet and Greet with His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakatt, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kottayam, who blessed the gathered youth and joined them for an open conversation.
Participants were invited to put their questions directly to the Archbishop - on faith, vocation, identity and life in the diaspora - and he responded to each in turn. The candour of the exchange set the tone for a convention built as much on dialogue as on celebration.
Icebreakers, Games and the Thekkans Aura Band
After dinner at the hostel, delegates took part in a series of interactive group games and icebreakers designed to mix participants across countries and cities. Within hours, strangers from six nations were competing, laughing and exchanging contacts.
The day closed with a live performance by the Thekkans Aura Band, featuring talented singers drawn from across Europe. The music turned the hall into a celebration and gave the opening day an unforgettable finish.
Day 2 - Saturday, July 11
Holy Mass and General Meeting
The second morning began with a formal reception for Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakatt, accompanied by traditional Knanaya Purathanappattu (traditional songs) and Nadavili, in a procession that connected the gathering to centuries of community heritage.
Holy Mass was then celebrated by Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakatt, joined by Fr. Binoy Kootanal, GKCYL Chaplain, and Fr. Anoop Elavunkachalil.
General Meeting
The General Meeting was presided over by GKCYL President Thobias Parappally and formally inaugurated by Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakatt.
Drawing on the message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Archbishop urged the young delegates to deepen their relationship both with God and with one another - to let faith express itself in genuine communion with fellow human beings.
Speaking on the convention's theme, Fr. Binoy Kootanal reflected that Thekkans Aura evokes the spiritual radiance of the saints of the Church, and affirmed that the gathering's central purpose was to strengthen faith and fellowship among young people.
Felicitations followed from Fr. Anoop Elavunkachalil, GKCYL Director Chinju Anna Raju, and DACH representatives Nadina Puthenpurayil (Austria) and Joel Simon (Switzerland).
Merin Mary Biju shared updates on the activites of KCYL Germany - recent accomplishments, upcoming initiatives and fresh opportunities for collaboration among European Knanaya youth.
Group KNA Discussions
Following a lunch of traditional biriyani, delegates moved into Group KNA Discussions, exploring how to strengthen youth involvement, preserve Knanaya identity and build lasting connections across Europe.
These sessions on the relevance of the Knanaya community and the contemporary challenges facing it were led by Br. Robin Koovappally and Libin Jose Parayil, former Archdiocesan President of KCYL.
Mr. and Miss KNA Pageant
One of the convention's most anticipated events, the Mr. and Miss KNA Pageant, unfolded across three rounds - an introduction round, a runway presentation round, and a question-and-answer round. Contestants showed confidence, poise and genuine pride in their Knanaya heritage.
The winners were:
Mr. KNA - Jacob Kurian, KCYL Switzerland
Miss KNA - Raina Karakkattil, KCYLNA
Cultural Programmes and DJ Night
After dinner, the evening gave way to vibrant cultural programmes showcasing the talents of participants from every delegation, before closing with a DJ Night that filled the floor and ran late into the night.
Day 3 - Sunday, July 12
The final day opened with further group games, encouraging teamwork and cementing the friendships formed over the weekend. Prizes were then distributed to the winners of the various competitions and cultural performances held across the three days.
Participants also attended a presentation on KnanayaCommunity.org, delivered by Raina Karakkattil, outlining the platform's mission, the resources it offers, and its role in connecting Knanaya communities around the world.
As the convention drew to a close, every participant received a commemorative souvenir marking their part in Thekkans Aura. Delegates departed with renewed faith, stronger friendships and a deeper appreciation of the growing Knanaya youth community across Europe.
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Reflections and Acknowledgements
Across three days of spiritual, cultural and leadership programming, organisers noted that the convention had measurably strengthened both faith and fellowship among Knanaya youth in Europe - precisely the outcome the gathering had been designed to achieve.
The success of the 2026 Thekkans Aura European Youth Convention was made possible through the tremendous dedication of KCYL Germany, Austria and Switzerland, under the leadership of the Central and National Executive Committees of KCYL Germany. The careful planning, hospitality and sustained commitment created an experience that united Knanaya youth across Europe through faith, fellowship, leadership and celebration.
Our sincere thanks go to every volunteer who gave their time, and above all to the 140+ young people who travelled from nine countries to make Thekkans Aura what it became.
The Aura lingers. See you at the next one.
📅 When
Friday, 10th July – Sunday, 12th July 2026.
Doors open at 3 PM on Friday; the programme wraps up by 3 PM on Sunday.
🗓️ Schedule at a glance
Friday, 10 July: Arrival & Check-In; Dinner; Welcome & Icebreakers
Saturday, 11 July: Holy Mass; Meeting with Bishop Mar Mathew Moolakkattu; Indian lunch; Group activites and Games; Cultural Programs; DJ evening
Sunday, 12 July: Games & Activities; Good Bye
📍 Where
Jugendherberge (DJH Youth Hostel) Bad Homburg
Mühlweg 17, Bad Homburg, Frankfurt, Germany - 61348
Google Maps ·
Apple Maps
🚆 Getting there
Nearest S-Bahn station: Bad Homburg (S5)
Nearest Train Station: Bad Homburg (RB15)
From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof: take S5/RB15 to Bad Homburg and take a bus to a bus stop nearby.
Use Deutsche Bahn website for the most accurate information.
👗 Dress Code
Saturday: Indianwear
🎒 What to bring
• Valid ID Proof
• Toiletries & Bath Towel (Towel can also be bought at the place for 3 EUR)
• Water Bottles
• Pen
• Plug Converter
• Your energy and good vibes!
🚗 Parking
If you're coming by car, there are plenty of parking spaces available. During the weekend, you can also use the kindergarten parking area right next to the venue.
🍽️Food Requirements
If you have any dietary requirements, food preferences, or allergies, please let us know as early as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements.
See you in Frankfurt!
For more information, please contact:
* Selin Joy (Whatsapp, Phone)
* Ajay Mathew Joseph (Whatsapp, Phone)
KnanayaCommunity is a fully protected online database of Knanayites all around the world. It contains features like family tree, finding relationship between two members, adding family history, matrimonial facility, etc. KnanayaCommunity is a sponsor of Thekkans Aura and you can support Thekkans Aura by registering your family details in www.knanayacommunity.org with the promo code THEKKANSAURA.
Click the button below to register
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KCYL Germany (Knanaya Catholic Youth League of Germany) is a Catholic lay Organisation for the Knanaya Catholic Youth residing in the Federal Republic of Germany.
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