We spent most of Wednesday December 28 at Velanganni where there is a big pilgrimage basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, dating from the 16th century.
The church
The church attracts a huge number of pilgrims.
Many boys had shaved heads, along with a few men, but very few women. Other people brought offerings of coconuts or other items. Others attached locks at one particular place.
I also went along the Stations of the Cross, where some people were making their way on their knees, ending at a water tank where the Virgin Mary had appeared some centuries ago to a lame milk vendor.
The Stations of the Cross
After spending the day at Velanganni, we left for Tuticorin at 3:30, arriving at 11:45. That night in Tuticorin I ended having a room by myself.
The church
The church attracts a huge number of pilgrims.
Crowds milling around near the church entrance
Many boys had shaved heads, along with a few men, but very few women. Other people brought offerings of coconuts or other items. Others attached locks at one particular place.
A boy with a shaved head inside the church
The spot where people attach locks
I also went along the Stations of the Cross, where some people were making their way on their knees, ending at a water tank where the Virgin Mary had appeared some centuries ago to a lame milk vendor.
The Stations of the Cross
After spending the day at Velanganni, we left for Tuticorin at 3:30, arriving at 11:45. That night in Tuticorin I ended having a room by myself.
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