The Local Fishermen Association today suggested that the Centre should make arrangements for pilgrimage as well as celebrating the festival of St.Antony's church at Katchatheevu on behalf of Indian fishermen.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President and secretaries of the association Sesuraja, S.Emiret and Sagayam said Rs.1300 was collected from each person for attending the two-day festival, to be held on February 28 (flag hoisting) and March 1 (car festival) in the islet.
Of this, Rs.350 was spent on erecting Pandal(shed),water and food,and rest given to the boat owner who ferried the pilgrims. One boat, which would consume 750 litres of diesel for 'to and fro' trip, could carry only six persons.Besides, the boat owner had to pay for the boat driver.
The sea also would be rough this month and some boats might get damaged. The boat owners find it very difficult to operate the boats.Hence the Government itself should take the responsibility for ferrying the pilgrims and providing them facilities during the festival.
Ramanathapuram District Hindu Munnani Secretary, in a letter to the Tamil Nadu chief minister, claimed more Hindus were attending the St.Anthony's church festival than Christians.
Fishermen from this island mainly go to Sri Lanka to meet Tamils coming for the festival. Hence the Government itself should appoint an official,exclusively for making arrangements for ferrying pilgrims to the Island, without any cost.
