Tue Mar 04 16:02:47 UTC 2025: ## Thousands of Pilgrims Set to Attend Annual Katchatheevu Church Festival
**Ramanathapuram, March 4, 2025** – Over 3,400 pilgrims are preparing to journey to the island of Katchatheevu for the annual festival at St. Antony’s Church, organizers announced Tuesday. The festival, a significant event for fishermen from India and Sri Lanka, commemorates St. Antony, the patron saint of fishermen.
This year’s pilgrimage will see 2,720 men, 652 women, 56 boys, and 36 girls travel to the island aboard 79 mechanized trawlers and 23 country boats. Pilgrims are required to carry identification documents and relevant government certificates, including a no-objection certificate for those employed by the government.
The festival, beginning March 14th, will commence with the hoisting of the holy flag at 4 p.m., followed by special prayers and ceremonies led by priests from both India and Sri Lanka. The second day will feature a holy procession and further celebrations. The church, established in 1913, has long been a site of prayer and thanksgiving for fishermen seeking blessings for their ventures.
First Piper 