COLOMBO – Close to 2500 Indian pilgrims, mainly comprising fishermen and clergy, participated in the annual St. Anthony’s Festival in Kachchatheevu, a small island located in the Palk Strait, on Friday (3) and Saturday (4), the Indian High Commission said.
They joined about 3000 Sri Lankan pilgrims who travel to the island every year.
“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 neighbours,” the Indian High Commission said.
It said the Government of India was providing financial assistance for the organization of the festivities this year.
A Mass dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the patron Saint of Fishermen was jointly conducted by priests from India and Sri Lanka on Saturday, followed by the traditional feast.
Stalls displaying and selling artisanal works of both Indian and Sri Lankan pilgrims were set up.
Indian pilgrims come to the festival every year but festivities were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
-EN/ENCL
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