Katchatheevu St. Antony’s Church festival on Feb 27 and 28; 8,000 pilgrims from Sri Lanka and India to participate

The two-day annual festival at the famous St. Antony’s Church in Katchatheevu islet would commence from February 27.

According to officials and church priests in Ramanathapuram district, a meeting was held recently in Sri Lanka in which government officials had proposed to make elaborate arrangements for the celebrations in a grand manner.

It has been proposed to permit 8,000 pilgrims (four thousand each from Sri Lanka and India) and that the Sri Lankan government would take necessary steps for successful conduct of the festival.

On Feb 27, at 4 p.m., the holy flag would be hoisted at the islet’s church followed by special prayers. In the late evening Car festival would be conducted in which a large number of devotees would participate. On the following day (Feb 28), at 7.30 a.m., after special service, the flag would be unfurled marking the conclusion of the celebrations.

The Indian authorities said that pilgrims willing to travel to the islet shall submit applications with the Parish priest along with other ID proof for verification and among other purposes. Apart from the district administration, officials from the Customs, Indian Coast Guard and others would be part of the scrutiny of the pilgrims travelling to Katchatheevu by boats, the officials added.