Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon flags off the boats carrying pilgrims from Rameswaram for the two-day St. Antony’s Church festival at Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka on Friday.
| Photo Credit: BALACHANDAR L

A total of 3,464 pilgrims left for Katchatheevu islet from Rameswaram to participate in the two-day annual St. Antony’s Church festival.

The pilgrims sailed to the islet in as many as 100 boats, following a thorough check. The boats were flagged off by Ramanathapuram Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon and Superintendent of Police G. Chandeesh at Rameswaram, on Friday.

Thousands of pilgrims from India and Sri Lanka taking part at the St. Antony’s church festival at Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka on Friday.
| Photo Credit:
BALACHANDAR L

The church was established in the islet by the fishermen, who worship St. Antony as their protector. The fishermen offered prayers at the church as a mark of thanksgiving to God. The new church, funded by the Sri Lankan Navy, was constructed next to the old church in 2016.

Thousands of pilgrims from India and Sri Lanka taking part in Way of the Cross procession at St. Antony’s Church at Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka on Friday.
| Photo Credit:
BALACHANDAR L

The St. Antony’s Church festival event started at around 4 p.m, with the flag hoisting, followed by the ‘Way of the Cross’ procession and a car procession where the statue of St. Antony was carried around the church. From time immemorial, the pilgrims from India and Sri Lanka have been visiting the church and offering special prayers.

Priests from India and Sri Lanka preside over the ceremonies. The second day of the festival would witness prayers in the church, followed by other celebrations. The pilgrims will return to Rameswaram from Katchatheevu on Saturday afternoon.