3,996 register from India to attend St. Anthony’s festival in Katchatheevu

The St. Anthony’s Church festival in Katchatheevu, attended by people from both India and Sri Lanka, will be held over two days on February 27 and February 28. A total of 3,996 people from India have registered to participate in the festival.

It is a tradition for fishermen to offer prayers before heading to sea, seeking protection from natural disasters, storms, and perils at sea, as well as for a bountiful catch. In 1913, fishermen established the St. Anthony’s Church in a small thatched hut on Katchatheevu for their worship, said sources.