Velankanni

Christianity · Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni, on the Tamil Nadu coast, is one of the most visited Christian pilgrimage sites in India. Devotion to Mary here grew from local traditions of apparitions and healing, and the white Gothic-style basilica stands near the sea.

Pilgrims of many faiths come to pray, offer candles and fulfil vows, some walking long distances. The annual feast from late August to 8 September, celebrating the Nativity of Mary, draws very large crowds. The town was badly hit by the 2004 tsunami and has since recovered.

Tamil Nadu, India · Christianity · Feast: Aug–8 Sep · Pilgrims of many faiths

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