Annai Velankanni Church Festival 2023 starts on 29th August, 2023 [ended]

Annai Velankanni Church Festival 2023

Annai Velankanni Church Festival 2023, the annual 11-day festival will be held at the Our Lady of Good Health Basilica in the coastal town of Velankanni in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu from August 29 to September 8 this year.

Annai Velankanni Church, also known as Our Lady of Good Health Basilica, is a renowned Roman Catholic pilgrimage site located in the town of Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, specifically under the title of “Our Lady of Good Health,” and is considered a significant place of worship and spiritual devotion for Catholics in India and beyond.

Annai Velankanni Church Festival 2023

The Annai Velankanni Church Festival is an annual religious event celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Good Health, also known as Annai Velankanni, a Marian apparition revered by Christians in India. The festival takes place at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, a town located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The festival is a significant pilgrimage and cultural event, drawing thousands of devotees from various parts of India and beyond. It typically occurs over a span of several days, often beginning on August 29th and culminating on September 8th, which is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

During the festival, the basilica is beautifully adorned with lights, flowers, and decorations. Devotees participate in various religious ceremonies, processions, and Masses, seeking blessings, healing, and solace from the Mother Mary. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of spiritual devotion and fervor, as people come together to express their faith and gratitude.

Throughout the festival, there are also cultural events, music performances, and food stalls that contribute to the festive ambiance. The Annai Velankanni Church Festival serves as a unifying force, bringing people of different backgrounds and communities together in celebration of their shared faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

About Annai Velankanni Church

The history of Annai Velankanni Church dates back to the 16th century when, according to local tradition, a series of miraculous events occurred in the area involving the Virgin Mary. The church’s distinct architectural style is a blend of Indian and Gothic influences, reflecting the cultural diversity and religious syncretism of the region.

Annai Velankanni Church attracts millions of pilgrims annually, especially during the annual feast of Our Lady of Good Health, which is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. The church complex includes various chapels, shrines, and facilities to accommodate the needs of the visiting pilgrims.

Pilgrims come to seek spiritual solace, healing, and blessings from Our Lady of Good Health. The church is a symbol of faith, hope, and unity, drawing people from different walks of life and backgrounds together in prayer and devotion. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of religious belief and the role of faith in shaping cultural heritage.

Annai Velankanni Church Festival 2023 Program Schedule

Feast Festival
August 29, 2023 to September 8, 2023
Visiting Hours
5.00 am to 10.00 pm. according to program schedule.
Holiday
No holidays
Entry Fee
Free
There might be charges for parking vehicle.

Accommodation / Hotels

Good Accommodation is available at Velankanni. There are many Hotels, Lodges and home stays available.

Getting There

Airport
Tiruchirappalli – 160 kms.
Chennai – 300 kms.
Madurai – 260 kms
Tuticorin – 350 kms
By Rail:
Velankanni Railway Station is the closest train facility available.
By Road:
Bus facility is available in Velankanni.
Nagercoil – 450 kms
Madurai – 250 kms.
Tirunelveli – 375 kms
Kanyakumari – 455 kms.

Several Govt. and private busses are operated from Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Madurai, Nagercoil, Salem, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Trivandrum.

Address
Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Vailankanni 611111, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone
04365-263423 / 263530
Annai Velankanni Church Google Map Location

References:

  1. Wikipedia