Thousands Gather At Velankanni For Annual Feast in Tamil Nadu

Thousands of devotees began gathering at the Velankanni Church in the coastal district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday for the ceremonial flag hoisting marking the start of the 11-day annual festival. 

The festival of the renowned Our Lady of Health Basilica at Velankanni, one of Tamil Nadu's most significant religious celebrations, will be held from August 29 to September 8, 2026. The administration has stepped up security arrangements to manage the massive influx of



pilgrims. 

More than 3,000 police personnel have been deployed for security and crowd management. Devotees are being monitored through surveillance cameras installed at various locations. 

Police are also using drone cameras and Facial Recognition System (FRS) technology to monitor the crowds and ensure safety. Announcements are being made through loudspeakers at key locations to control the crowd and ensure smooth movement.