The 11-day annualfestivalat Shrine Basilica atVelankanniin the districtcommenced tonight with the hoisting of the holy flag.
Bishop of Thanjavur M Devadass Ambrose presided over the flag hoisting ceremony.
After special prayers, the holy flag was taken in procession around the church throughVelankannibazaar, Ariyanattu Street and Beach road and was hoisted later.
Following the flag hoisting ceremony, holy mass, litany and benediction were conducted.
Earlier, Nagapattinam District Collector S Pazhanisamy inaugurated a photo exhibition in the town depicting the welfare measures of the state government.
He said tight security arrangements have been made for the festival.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
