Modern Knananites are the descendants of Syrian Christians of Jewish origin migrated to the Malabar Coast (Kerala) of India, during the Fourth Century, under the leadership of Thomas of Kana (Knai Thomas) to rejuvenate the disintegrating Christian churches established by St. Thomas, the apostle. On reaching the Kerala cost, Thomas of Kana visited the ruling King Cheraman Perumal and obtained from him land and some highly esteemed privileges.

Knananites are very distinct, ethnic and religious group of people whose ancestry traces back to Abraham, the Patriarch of the Old Testament. They observe many rituals and traditions which are very peculiar to their own community. Knananites believe that their customs and rituals are a continuation of ancient Jewish practices. Many of the rituals in the marriage ceremony resemble ancient Jewish practices which trace back to the Old Testament. For example, the Knanaya marriage ceremony includes the bridal canopy that may be equivalent to the Jewish nuppah; the ceremonial bathing on the eve of the wedding that may be parallel to the Jewish mikrah or ritual bath and singing of Old Testament songs on the eve and on the day of the wedding. The customs and rituals exclusively practiced by the Knananites distinguish them from the native Christians. Even today, the Knananites continue to be an endogamous community.

Knananites constitute of both Catholics and Jacobites. Knanaya people are found in all the major cities of India. Knanaya community has migrated to various parts of the world like USA, Canada, Europe, South Africa, Middle East Countries, Australia, New Zealand etc.

In the course of centuries the traditions have been kept up from generation to generation. Their presence, the privileges they had, the clergy they maintained, all help the shape up and flourishing of the original Christianity in India which was at the crossroads. Through out the history of 16 turbulent centuries the Knananites tried to be faithful to their original spirit. Whenever and wherever two or more Knananites get together, there arises an increased sense of belonging, comfort and identity between them. Departing gets delayed, conversations never end and bonds keep getting stronger and stronger…