Lakhs of pilgrims throng Velankanni

9-day festival culminates with lowering of flag on Saturday

Holy Trail: The ‘Velankanni Matha’ car procession on Friday marked the penultimate day celebration of the annual festival of Our Lady of Good Health. Photo: B. Velankanni Raj.

Devotees from across the country witnessed the ‘Velankanni Matha’ car procession, ringing in the penultimate day celebrations of the annual feast festival of Our Lady of Good Health here on Friday.

The six cars floated through a sea of humanity marking another ecstatic spiritual experience next only to the first day’s flag hoisting event. The procession commenced from the entrance of the main shrine.

The event would be followed with the lowering of the flag on Saturday evening, bringing the curtains down of the nine-day festival that witnessed lakhs of pilgrims thronging the venue.

Also the nine-day festivity was marked by litanies in various languages for pilgrims across various regions.

Papal Ambassador to India Rev.Fr. Salbetore Tennacchio, Bishop of Thanjavur Rev. Fr. Devadoss Ambrose, participated in the festival.