Sri Lankan and Indian pilgrims join the annual Katchchatheevu feast

The annual feast of St. Anthony on the Island of Katchchateevu was held on 3 & 4 March 2023 with the participation of close to 2500 Indian pilgrims, comprising mainly fishermen and clergy from India and about 3000 Sri Lankan pilgrims, said the High Commission of India.

“The Festival underscores strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka while also paving way for close interaction between fishermen communities of the maritime neighbors,” the Indian High Commission said.

Following the traditional feast of the St. Anthony of Padua, the patron Saint of Fishermen, the feast mass on Saturday at 7.30 a.m., was presided by Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo Archdiocese, Bishop Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam together with Vicar General of Jaffna Diocese Reverend Pathinathan Josephdas Jebaratnam.

From the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu – Rameswaram, Thangachchimadam, Karaikkaal, and Nagapattinam, 2198 devotees reached the island on Friday in 72 trawlers.

In addition, about 2900 pilgrims from Jaffna, Mannar, Thalaimannar, Chilaw, and Negombo traveled in the passenger ferry services or in their own boats to take part in the special feast held annually with the participation of fisher folk from the two countries.

Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries greeted the pilgrims on their arrival at the Island on 3 March 2023. Special Prayers and a late evening mass were held on the same day to mark the Festival.

The annual Feast of St. Anthony at Katchchathiv witnesses the enthusiastic participation of Indian pilgrims every year. But, COVID-19 affected the festivities in the last two years.

High Commission said that, apart from the feast mass, stalls displaying and selling artisanal works of both Indian and Sri Lankan pilgrims were set up, adding further color to the festivities.

The government of India is providing financial assistance for the organization of the festivities this year, the Indian High Commission said.

Consul General of India in Jaffna Raakesh Natraj and other officials of the Consulate were special invitees at the Festival, the Indian High Commission said.

The Navy which has a permanent presence on the island– the SLNS Wasabha–provided necessary infrastructure facilities, including sanitary and drinking water, temporary tents, jetties as well as electricity.

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