: Thousands of devotees from all over the country have thronged Shrine Basilica at Vailankanni in this district in connection with the Easter celebrations.
As a mark of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, a candle procession commenced at 11 PM last night. At the stroke of midnight, the resurrection of Jesus was announced and special prayers were held.
This morning, prayers in all South Indian languages commenced and will continue throughout the day.
The special feature of Easter celebrations here is the 'padayatra' by hundreds of pilgrims. During the eight day period between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, pilgrims carry big wooden crosses on their shoulders, arrive at Vailankanni on foot and participate in the prayers.
