Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Velankanni Annual Feast Draws Thousands Amid Extensive Safety Measures
Thousands of people are visiting Velankanni for a large religious festival.
The festival begins with a special flag-hoisting ceremony.
It will take place from August 29 to September 8, 2026.
Many police officers will help keep visitors safe.
Cameras, drones and facial-recognition technology will help monitor the crowds.
Special buses, medical camps and ambulances will be available.
Rescue teams and boats will help people who bathe near the seashore.
Religious services will be held in several Indian languages.
Thousands of devotees gathered at Velankanni Church for the ceremonial flag hoisting starting the annual feast.
The 11-day festival of the Our Lady of Health Basilica is scheduled for August 29 to September 8, 2026.
More than 3,000 police personnel, surveillance cameras, drones and facial-recognition technology will support security efforts.
Authorities will operate 525 special buses, medical camps, ambulances and an integrated help centre for pilgrims.
The celebration will include a car procession and Holy Masses in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Konkani, Marathi and English.
- Who
- Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad, along with police, transport and medical teams.
- What
- The annual feast of Our Lady of Health is beginning with a ceremonial flag hoisting and will include a car festival and multilingual Holy Masses.
- When
- The festival is scheduled for August 29 to September 8, 2026; devotees began gathering on Saturday for the opening ceremony.
- Where
- The events are centered at Velankanni Church, also called the Our Lady of Health Basilica, in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- Devotees are gathering to celebrate the Holy Feast of Our Lady of Health.
- Festival duration
- 11 days, from August 29 to September 8, 2026
- Security deployment
- More than 3,000 police personnel
- Special buses
- 525 buses planned from various destinations
- Medical support
- Seven medical camps, 10 ambulances and three bike ambulances
- Seashore rescue
- 12 fire and rescue vehicles, two rescue boats and diving experts
- Religious services
- Holy Masses in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Konkani, Marathi and English