Thousands of believers are marking the annual harvest festival in churches across Abu Dhabi. Expecting to host about 10,000 people in celebrations on November 16, one church has pledged to donate its collection from the fest to rebuilding the flood-hit Indian state of Kerala.

As reported by khaleejtimes, Mar Thoma Church Vicar Babu P Kulathackal said this year’s harvest festival brings people of all ages together for a noble cause. “We have 1,600 families as followers. We have 31 prayer groups and all of them will join with different food items. There are 15 food stall with live preparations. We are hoping for good sales as a sizable amount of Mar Thoma Church’s collection will go towards rebuilding Kerala. Each one of us is affected and we will all rebuild a new Kerala,” he said.

The church’s celebrations, which will also feature cultural events, will be held in Mussafah on November 16.  The harvest festival is a traditional event where people gather to feast on food made from fresh crops.

Source: khaleejtimes