Tamil Nadu   

11-day Velankanni festival concludes

Staff Reporter

NAGAPATTINAM: : The 11-day annual festival of Shrine Basilica of `Our Lady of Health' at Velankanni, near here, concluded on Thursday with the lowering of `Our Lady's Flag' that was hoisted on August 29. The birth of `Our Blessed Mother' was celebrated in the morning and a feast was arranged under the presidentship of the Most Rev. Dr. M.Devadass Ambrose, Bishop of Thanjavur.

On Wednesday night, lakhs of devotees witnessed the illuminated chariot procession carrying the image of `Our Lady of Health.'

The festival attracted pilgrims from all religions. `Our Lady Health,' popularly known as the `Lourdes of the East' and `Annai Velankanni,' is worshipped for prosperity and good health. Thousands of devotees thronged Velankanni from various parts of the State. Many came walking (padayatra) to fulfil their vows.

Holy masses were conducted in many languages, including Tamil, English, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu and Konkani, during the festival days at the main shrine and on the Velankanni Basilica campus.

J.Radhakrishnan, Nagapattinam Collector, who visited Velankanni on Wednesday and Thursday, supervised the security arrangements by the police and the provision of drinking water and sanitary facilities by the civic authorities. Special buses were run by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and private operators from various parts of the State.

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