St. Antony festival brings Indians, Sri Lankans together

February 26, 2013: Nearly 6,000 people from India and Sri Lanka gathered at Katchatheevu islet on the Palk Straits to celebrate the annual St. Antony Church festival. The shores of Katchatheevu, otherwise closed for Indian fishermen, were opened for the two-day St Antony Church festival that commenced on Saturday.

Though the festival this year comes in the backdrop of mounting tension over the alleged execution of LTTE chief V Prabakaran's son, the islet where fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan congregated wore a festive look. For the first time since 1976, Indian high commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha visited Kachchativu for the festival. During his visit, Kantha interacted with priests, nuns and devotees from India.

Nearly 2,814 Indian devotees who came to the Island in 94 boats, participated with great enthusiasm and piety in this annual feast, which is held in honor of the patron saint of sea-farers.
The festival is being celebrated since 1905.

"This is my first visit to Katchatheevu. The visit to the church with my friends and relatives is a trip to cherish through my life time. We interacted with Tamil fishermen and shared several things. I would return to meet new friends next year," said Remi Diaz Fernandas from Negombo in Sri Lanka.

Tamil fishermen who landed on the pebble-rich island shore, with an area of 285 acres, were enthralled to have a glimpse of St Antony.

Unmindful of the scorching sun, the devotees explored the islet as many came for the first time. As there were no shelters, the bushes served as shades.

The festival started with the traditional flag hoisting function on Saturday evening and concluded with prayer for the day. The devotees later formed groups and played music accompanied with vocals and entertained themselves after a supper provided by the Sri Lankan navy.

A new statue of St Antony was unveiled by Archbishop Thomas Soundaranayagam after the function.