Festival begins at Velankanni

Nagapattinam, Aug 29: The 11-day annual festival at Shrine Basilica at Velankanni in the district commenced tonight with the hoisting of the holy flag. Bishop of Thanjavur M Devadass Ambrose presided over the flag hoisting ceremony.

After special prayers, the holy flag was taken in procession around the church through Velankanni bazaar, Ariyanattu Street and Beach road and was hoisted later. Following the flag hoisting ceremony, holy mass, litany and benediction were conducted.

Earlier, Nagapattinam District Collector S Pazhanisamy inaugurated a photo exhibition in the town depicting the welfare measures of the state government. He said tight security arrangements have been made for the festival.

PTI