Devotees take part in car procession at Velankanni

Devotees from various parts of the country throngedVelankanniin the district Friday to witness theilluminated grand'carprocession'at the Shrine Basillca.

Theprocessionbegan late in the evening.

The number of pilgrims from Kerala, which used to be very high every year, was comparatively less this year, probably due to the recent torrential rains there.

Prior to thecarfestival, a holy flag was hoisted in the afternoon.

Bishop of Thanjavur Rev. M Devadass Ambrose conducted special prayers.

The prayers were dedicated for world peace.

After the prayers, seven'illuminatedcars'in various sizes were taken out ina procession.

Only women were allowed to carry the firstcarand it was followed by the othercars.

Tight security arrangements had been made in the town in connection with the festival.

Nagapattinam District Collector C Sureshkumar and otherofficials participated in the car fest.

Thefestival marks the commencement of the birthday celebrations of the Lady of Good Health.

The 11-day annual festival concludes Saturday.

Special prayers will be conducted in several Indian languages from 6 a.m and the holy flag will be lowered in the evening marking the end of the annual festival.