What is the Velankanni Festival? Check out All the Details Here!

It is the 9-day festivities that attract more than a million pilgrims every year. The festival marks the consecration of the Basilica of Our Lady Delivered at Velankanni, Tamil Nadu. Velankanni is a town situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, 350 km south of Chennai

Each day at noon from August 30 to September 7 a public flag hoisting, is live-streamed. The festival ends with the celebration of The Nativity of Mary on September 8.

Significance

The Velankanni Basilica is one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage centres in India, drawing an estimated: 20 million plus (religion tourism — stadiums and basilicas). annually, with a larger number during "Every Friday of The Grand Feast"--9 days festival. As the "Lourdes of the East," it is well-known.

It honours the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Good Health. The present shrine is more than 16th centuries old.

The Velankanni Festival features a series of significant events that take place over its duration, culminating in the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health. 

Key Events

Here's a list of key events covered during the Velankanni Festival-

Flag Hoisting Ceremony

Other highlights of the popular festival include a blessing and hoisting of Our Lady's flag on August 29; followed by litany, benediction and mass in Tamil at the shrine auditorium.

Daily Masses

This is a great source of spiritual nourishment for the pilgrims, who attend daily masses in different languages (like Tamil, English and Konkani Marathi) during the festival.

Rosary and Novena Prayers

Special rosary sessions and novena prayers are conducted, particularly on September 7, leading up to the feast day.

Car Procession

A major highlight is the daily car procession that begins at 8:00 PM from the main shrine, featuring illuminated cars carrying images of Our Lady. The grand procession on September 7 is particularly significant, as it showcases the culmination of the festival's celebrations.

Feast Day Celebrations

The festival culminates on September 8 with the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, marked by a concealed mass and the lowering of the flag at the end of the day.

These events not only reflect the religious significance of the festival but also foster a sense of community among the thousands of pilgrims who attend each year.

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