
Over 3,400 pilgrims from India to take part in Katchatheevu church festival on March 14, 15
The Hindu
A total of 3,464 pilgrims had registered to participate in the annual festival being held at the famous St. Antony’s Church in Katchatheevu, said organisers here on Tuesday. The church was established by the fishermen of India and Sri Lanka way back in 1913 St. Antony was worshipped as a protector of the fishermen and the fishermen offer prayers at the church as a mark of thanksgiving to the God for proving them good produce.
A total of 3,464 pilgrims had registered to participate in the annual festival being held at the famous St. Antony’s Church in Katchatheevu, said organisers here on Tuesday.
The church was established by the fishermen of India and Sri Lanka way back in 1913 St. Antony was worshipped as a protector of the fishermen and the fishermen offer prayers at the church as a mark of thanksgiving to the God for proving them good produce.
From time immemorial, the pilgrims had been visiting the church before commencing any good venture and offering special prayers, the organisers said, adding that a large number of people from different parts of the country registered themselves for participating in the festival every year.
This year, the festival would begin with the hoisting of the holy flag in Katchatheevu at 4 p.m. on March 14, followed by “Thiru Jabamalai” and special prayers. Priests from Sri Lanka and India would preside over the ceremonies.
The second day of the festival would witness the holy procession at 7.30 a.m. in the church, followed by prayers and other celebrations.
The organisers said 2,720 men, 652 women, 56 boys and 36 girls had registered for participation this year and they would proceed to Katchatheevu in 79 mechanised trawlers and 23 country boats. The travelling pilgrims should carry original documents of identity and necessary certificates from the government agencies. Those who were employed in Central or State governments should carry a “no-objection certificate” from their offices, they added.

Terming the allegations of the Opposition BJP that the Congress government had illegally diverted and misused the funds meant for the welfare of Dalits under SCSP-TSP as “false and misleading”, RDPR and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday made clear that these funds had been “legally” transferred to guarantee schemes for “exclusive” use of SC/ST beneficiaries in proportion to their population size. These funds will never be used for beneficiaries of other communities, he asserted.

A total of 3,464 pilgrims had registered to participate in the annual festival being held at the famous St. Antony’s Church in Katchatheevu, said organisers here on Tuesday. The church was established by the fishermen of India and Sri Lanka way back in 1913 St. Antony was worshipped as a protector of the fishermen and the fishermen offer prayers at the church as a mark of thanksgiving to the God for proving them good produce.