Velankanni Festival Wallpapers

The Velankanni Festival, also known as the Annual Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, is celebrated from August 29 to September 8 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni (Nagapattinam district), Tamil Nadu. Known as the Lourdes of the East, the basilica is one of the most visited Catholic shrines in Asia. The nine-day festival culminates on September 8, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over two million pilgrims from across India and abroad visit during the feast, including many Hindus and Muslims who believe in the healing power of the shrine. Devotees walk barefoot for hundreds of kilometers to reach Velankanni, many having taken vows for answered prayers. The festival features flag hoisting, car processions (ther), special masses, candlelight processions on the beach, and the blessing of the sick. Pilgrims offer miniature wax body parts as votive offerings for healing. The church was elevated to basilica status by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The festival is a remarkable example of interfaith devotion in India.