11-day Velankanni annual feast begins as a sea of devotees throngs the Basilica
The 11-day annual festival of Our Lady of Good Health has commenced in Velankanni, drawing thousands of pilgrims. Authorities have implemented extensive security and medical measures to manage the large crowds.
Why it matters
Demonstrates the scale of religious tourism in India and the significant administrative effort required for public safety at mass gatherings.
The annual festival of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni in Nagapattinam district commenced on Saturday evening with a flag procession followed by the blessing and hoisting of Our Lady’s Flag by Most Rev. T. Sagayaraj, Bishop of Thanjavur Diocese.
A large number of pilgrims from across the country thronged the Basilica to attend the 11-day festival. Rev. Fr. C. Irudayaraj, Rector; parish priest, and clergy of the Thanjavur Diocese accompanied the Bishop in leading the procession.
The flag-hoisting was followed by the litany, benediction, and Holy Mass in Tamil at the Shrine auditorium.
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