Watch | How is the St. Antony’s church festival at Katchatheevu celebrated?
Katchatheevu is an island in the Palk Straits that connects India and Sri Lanka. The island, which belongs to Sri Lanka, measures 285.20 acres and is situated about 14 nautical miles from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.
Every yr, a church festival is held right here throughout February or March and attracts hundreds of pilgrims. This primarily consists of fisherfolk from each India and Sri Lanka, praying for happiness and good well being. But this nondescript island has for lengthy been a subject of debate on either side.
Why does India need to retrieve Katchatheevu?
Katchatheevu gained prominence in the Nineteen Seventies. In 1974 and 1976, two agreements between India and Sri Lanka adopted. Then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, after which Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike signed agreements making Katchatheevu part of Sri Lanka. Ever since, with Katchatheevu figuring out the maritime border, discussions on fishing rights have been essential for each India and Sri Lanka.
While Indian politicians need the island retrieved, Sri Lankan politicians haven’t taken a lot curiosity in talks of handing the piece of land to India. However, Chief Minister M. Ok. Stalin appealed to PM Narendra Modi relating to this throughout his go to to Chennai final yr. Stalin stated this was the proper time to retrieve Katchatheevu as it will uphold the rights of Indian fishermen.
What is Sri Lanka’s stand on the situation?
Earlier, Indian fishermen would freely use the waters for fishing and trade pleasantries with their Sri Lankan counterparts and calm down on the island. They would even pray at the church and there have been no restrictions even after the settlement between the two nations had been signed. But after the civil battle in Sri Lanka, the situation modified.
Ever since, Sri Lanka has been agency on their place that there was no query of handing the island over. It has additionally established a naval camp at Katchatheevu.
How is the St. Antony’s Church Festival celebrated?
It is amidst this backdrop that the festival positive factors extra significance. On their technique to the church, pilgrims cease 4 instances for verification by the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies. The journey to the island takes about two-and-half-hours. Following one other spherical of verification and strolling for about quarter-hour, the pilgrims attain St. Antony’s Church.
This yr, the occasion began at round 4 p.m on March 3, with the flag hoisting. It was adopted by the ‘Way of the Cross’ procession and a automobile procession the place the statue of St. Antony was carried round the church. The prayers had been stated in Tamil and this continued by way of the night time with folks studying verses from the Bible.
Prayers are often held for the wellbeing of individuals on either side and particularly for fisherfolk. However, this time particular prayers had been held for Sri Lanka because it recovers from an financial disaster. It is believed amongst the fisherfolk that St. Antony offers hope, and this attracts folks of all faiths to the island.
At the shrine, petitions by the pilgrims are learn out by the church authorities. Most of the petitions are from folks wishing to go overseas, these hoping to get married, some for higher well being, for a secure financial system and livelihood. Just a little additional away from the church is a statue of St. Antony the place folks gentle candles.
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Reporting: B Tilak Chandar
Photos & Video: L Balachandar
Voiceover & Production: Abhinaya Sriram
