Arrangements are under way for the 434th festival of Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica here.

About five lakh people are expected to take part in the 11-day annual festival which will begin on July 26 with a flag-hoisting ceremony at 7.30 a.m. Special prayer services would be conducted throughout the festival, Rev. Fr. Lerin De Rose, Rector and Parish Priest of the Basilica, told media persons here on Saturday.

Detailing the programmes, he said a compact disc titled ‘Punitha Maadha’ would be released and cultural programmes conducted in the evening on all festival days. The festival was not confined to Christians as people of all faiths would participate in the celebrations.

People from across India and from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries were expected to attend the festival.

Accommodation would be provided at Eskalin Illam, St. La Salle School and Das Navis Madha Girls School. On the eve of flag hoisting ceremony, a flag procession would be taken out. Bishop of Thoothukudi Roman Catholic Diocese Rev. Fr. Yvon Ambrose, former Archbishop of Madurai RC Diocese Rev. Peter Fernando and Rev. Fr. Antony Devotta of Tiruchi RC Diocese would conduct prayer services at the Basilica, he said.

Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Viniston, Bro. Jegadis, S. Lasington Fernando, vice- president, Parish Council, J. Johny Boy, secretary, and G. Motha, treasurer, were present.

The district Administration has declared a local holiday on August 5, the feast day when and festival comes to a close.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Tamil Nadu / by Staff Reporter / Thoothukudi – July 24th, 2016