India Coast Guard Escorts Thousands of Pilgrims to Katchatheevu
India Coast Guard Deployed for Safe Pilgrimage to St. Antony’s Festival
BNH NETWORK
Katchatheevu - The India Coast Guard (ICG) has deployed multiple ships and aircraft to ensure the safety of thousands of Indian pilgrims traveling to St. Antony’s Church on Katchatheevu Island, Sri Lanka, for its annual two-day festival. The unique celebration, deeply significant to fisherfolk from both nations, attracts thousands of devotees from across India.
ICG ships and aircraft escorted 96 boats carrying over 3,000 pilgrims, safely handing them over to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) for further passage. This coordinated maritime operation highlights the strong bilateral cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in ensuring safe and secure religious travel.
“The India Coast Guard remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indian pilgrims at sea while strengthening India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation,” an ICG spokesperson stated
.Fact File: Katchatheevu Pilgrimage & India-Sri Lanka Maritime Security
- Event: St. Antony’s Church Annual Festival
- Location: Katchatheevu Island, Sri Lanka
- Significance: Sacred festival for Indian and Sri Lankan fisherfolk
- ICG Deployment: Ships & aircraft for safe passage
- Pilgrim Count: 3,000+ devotees in 96 boats
- Handover Point: International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)
- Sri Lanka’s Role: Sri Lanka Coast Guard ensures further transit
- Security Measures: Enhanced maritime patrols for safe travel
Katchatheevu Festival – A Symbol of India-Sri Lanka Cultural Bond
The St. Antony’s Church festival is a centuries-old event that holds great religious and cultural importance for the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Every year, thousands of Indian devotees make the voyage across the Palk Strait to participate in prayers and religious rituals at the historic church on Katchatheevu Island.
Given the scale of the pilgrimage, the India Coast Guard, along with Sri Lanka’s maritime forces, has intensified surveillance and escort operations to ensure a smooth journey for devotees.
“Maritime security is crucial for this pilgrimage. Both countries are working together to safeguard the sacred journey of thousands of devotees,” said an official.
