Velankanni Basilica to remain open 24 hours from October 3

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni in Nagapattinam. File | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam The Main Shrine of the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni in Nagapattinam will remain open round the clock from October 3, 2026.The announcement was made by Rev. Dr. T. Sagayaraj, Bishop of Thanjavur, on the occasion of the nativity feast of Mother Mary on Tuesday (September 8).The initiative is expected to provide greater convenience to thousands of pilgrims who travel to Velankanni from various parts of Tamil Nadu and across the country. Many devotees who arrive at the shrine at odd hours have to offer their prayers from outside the Basilica premises. With the new arrangement, devotees will have the opportunity to enter the Main Shrine and pray before the altar at any time, said the Shrine priest. Published - September 11, 2026 01:09 pm IST