Large number of devotees throng Annai Velankanni Church for annual festival
The annual festival at Annai Velankanni Church in Chennai began with a flag-hoisting ceremony, drawing thousands of devotees. Traffic police have issued warnings regarding congestion in the area for the duration of the festival.
Why it matters
Large-scale religious festivals significantly impact local traffic management and public infrastructure in urban centers.
The annual festival at Annai Velankanni Church in Besant Nagar began with a flag-hoisting ceremony on Saturday, which was witnessed by thousands of devotees.
The flag-hoisting ceremony and Eucharistic chariot procession began at 4.30 p.m. from the church and proceeded through 6th Avenue Beach Road, 3rd Main Road, 2nd Avenue, and 7th Avenue before returning to the church.
Many devotees undertook pilgrimage to the church from various parts of the city. Despite diversions announced by the Greater Chennai Traffic Police, traffic congestion was reported in Shastri Nagar, Indira Nagar, Adyar, Raja Annamalaipuram, Kotturpuram, and other arterial roads in the vicinity.
The Traffic Police have also appealed to the public to avoid travelling to Elliot’s Beach and surrounding roads unless necessary on August 29, September 7 and 8, as the area is expected to witness heavy crowds and traffic congestion.
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