The Japan Times - Thousands Gather as Annual Velankanni Basilica Festival Opens With Flag Hoisting

VELANKANNI, India — Large numbers of devotees have gathered in the Tamil Nadu pilgrimage town of Velankanni for the annual festival at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, which opened on Saturday with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony.

The basilica in Nagapattinam district is one of India's best-known Christian pilgrimage sites and attracts visitors from different states and religious backgrounds.

This year's festival began on Aug. 29 and is scheduled to continue through Sept. 8. Bishop Sagayaraj of the Thanjavur diocese blessed the festival flag before it was raised at the church.

From Aug. 30 through Sept. 7, special worship services are scheduled each morning and afternoon at different parts of the basilica complex.

Services will be conducted in several languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, English and Konkani, reflecting the large number of pilgrims arriving from different parts of India.

Devotees have traveled to Velankanni from across Tamil Nadu and other states. Many pilgrims are also reaching the town on foot as part of traditional religious journeys associated with the festival.

The basilica administration, district authorities and police have coordinated arrangements for the expected crowds. Transport authorities are operating special government buses, while special train services are bringing pilgrims from various parts of the country.

Officials have imposed a ban on bathing in the sea at Velankanni during the festival period as a safety measure. Barriers and warning signs have been installed along the beach, and public announcements are being used to inform visitors.

More than 3,000 police personnel have been assigned to security duties under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Kelkar Subramania Balachandra, according to reports on the festival arrangements.

The annual observance will continue with daily religious services and major ceremonies until Sept. 8, with authorities expecting sustained heavy attendance throughout the festival period.

K.Abe--JT