Shrine Velankanni Festival , Tamil Nadu

The renowned church of Shrine Velankanni close to Nagapattinam has wondrous legends. The 16th century ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors had constructed this shrine in gratitude for saving and guiding them towards the shore throughout a severe cyclone. Thousands of individuals go to the location for the duration of the festival, clad in orange robes towards the sacred place where the ship landed. The Virgin Mary Church is the 'Courdes of the East' and is believed to have miraculous power of healing. This festival attracts peoples of all religions: Hindus, Muslims and of program Christians - it truly is rather a secular gathering.