TranslateWhen: August/September
The Velankanni Festival is an eleven-day celebration at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Nagapattinam district, culminating on 8 September, the feast of the Nativity of Mary. Pilgrims of many faiths travel here, some walking hundreds of kilometres, making it one of the largest Christian pilgrimages in Asia.
When
29 August to 8 September each year
Where
Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni, Nagapattinam district
Duration
Eleven days
Main highlight
The flag hoisting on 29 August and the car procession on 8 September
The festival opens with the hoisting of the festival flag on 29 August and continues with daily masses in Tamil, English and other languages. Pilgrims arrive continuously through the eleven days, many walking barefoot from distant towns. The concluding day sees a grand procession of the statue of Our Lady through the streets to the sea.
Pilgrims wear orange robes, carry offerings of candles and silver votive plaques, and often shave their heads as an act of thanksgiving. The basilica is notable for the participation of Hindus and Muslims alongside Christians, and the shrine is widely known for prayers relating to health. A museum of offerings adjoins the church.
Velankanni is around 350 kilometres from Chennai, close to Nagapattinam and reachable by road or via Nagore and Nagapattinam railway stations. Accommodation ranges from church-run lodges to private hotels and fills completely during the festival. Services are conducted in multiple languages and the basilica grounds remain open through the night during the festival.
