Nearly 4,000 pilgrims from India set sail for Katchatheevu for St. Anthony’s Church festival

Nearly 4,000 pilgrims set sail for the Katchatheevu islet from Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district to participate in the two-day St. Anthony’s Church festival to be held on February 27 and 28.

The pilgrims began their journey after a thorough check by the authorities at the Rameswaram jetty. The first batch of boats was flagged off at around 7 a.m. by the District Revenue Officer V. Shankaranarayanan and other officials.  

As many as 3,996 people from India had applied to participate in the festival. They set sail on 90 mechanised and 26 country boats. The pilgrims were given life jackets and were instructed to follow all the guidelines. 

The annual St. Anthony’s Church festival in Katchatheevu is attended by people from both India and Sri Lanka.

It is tradition for the fishermen to offer prayers to St. Anthony before heading to the 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. The new church was constructed next to the old church in 2016.

The festival would commence on February 27 at 4 p.m. with the hoisting of the holy flag and it will be followed by the Way of the Cross procession and the car procession carrying the statue of St. Anthony.

At 7 a.m. on February 28, a special mass and joint prayers will be conducted. 

The Jaffna district administration, Sri Lanka, has made arrangements for food, water, medical aid, and basic amenities for pilgrims from both India and Sri Lanka.