Pilgrims walk to Velankanni for annual feast

Devotees from Tiruchi set out on foot to participate in the annual festival of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni in Nagapattinam district. | Photo Credit: R. VENGADESH Devotees from Tiruchi, Thanjavur, and neighbouring districts have begun their traditional pilgrimage on foot to Velankanni in Nagapattinam district to attend the annual festival of Our Lady of Good Health.The festival is being celebrated from August 29 to September 8 and is expected to draw thousands of devotees from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States.Wearing ochre-coloured clothes and carrying flags bearing the image of Our Lady of Good Health, groups of devotees are walking to Velankanni via Thanjavur. In some places, pilgrims are pulling the chariot of Our Lady as part of the pilgrimage.A group of pilgrims from Tiruchi began its journey in the early hours of Sunday. The devotees plan to cover around 150 km on foot and reach the shrine in three days. “We go on a pilgrimage every year to give thanks to Our Lady,” said J. Savariraj, who is undertaking the pilgrimage for the sixth consecutive year.Along the route, residents and voluntary organisations have made arrangements to provide drinking water and food to the devotees.However, the traditional pilgrimage has raised concerns about pedestrian safety. Fatal accidents involving pilgrims walking along highways and busy city roads continue to be reported even as large numbers of devotees undertake the journey on foot every year.Many pilgrims walk on the carriageway instead of using pedestrian paths, affecting vehicle movement and exposing themselves to the risk of being hit by vehicles. Some sleep in vacant spaces along arterial roads after walking for long hours.“We mostly avoid walking at night, fearing vehicles. The authorities should take adequate measures to regulate traffic along the route,” he added. Published - August 30, 2026 06:42 pm IST