Thousands Flock to Kachchathivu for St. Anthony's Feast

COLOMBO (News 1st) The annual festival of St. Anthony's Shrine in Kachchathivu will take place on Friday (14) and Saturday (15).

Kachchathivu is a small, uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait, which forms the boundary between India and Sri Lanka. The island spans approximately 285 acres and is situated between Neduntheevu (Sri Lanka) and Rameswaram (India)

This year, around 8,000 devotees from both countries are expected to participate in the festival. 

All preparations for the event, which serves as a bridge of friendship between Sri Lanka and India, have been completed.

As of now, the Sri Lankan Navy has deployed its craft to transport essential supplies continuously to the island via sea routes.

Additionally, preparations for the necessary infrastructure to ensure the smooth execution of the church festival are nearing completion.

Temporary jetties for boat arrivals, drinking water stations, sanitary facilities, upgraded access roads, electricity supply, medical aid setups, and other essential infrastructure are available, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees. 

Additionally, a communication tower was installed on Kachchativu to facilitate connectivity for those attending the Kachchativu feast.

Moreover, to ensure safety for devotees, a security camera system has been installed on the island and the Navy has stepped up, lending its expertise and resources to build essential infrastructure, all in seamless collaboration with other government agencies.

This evening, the flag hoisting ceremony and the Way of the Cross will take place, followed by the main feast on Saturday (15).