Nearly 4,000 devotees, most of them fisherfolk families, have just pulled off one of the most watchable sea pilgrimages on India’s coast: a 14-nautical-mile crossing from Rameswaram to the tiny Katchatheevu islet for the annual St Antony’s Shrine feast (February 27–28, 2026). The headcount itself became the headline, but the real story is the choreography: registrations, ID checks, life jackets, and boat-by-boat safety clearance before sunrise departures from the fishing harbour.
What The Two Day Feast Looks Like On The Island
This year’s pilgrimage list touched 3,996 people, including men, women, and children, travelling in a large fleet of mechanised and country boats under layered monitoring by the Coast Guard and other agencies. Once ashore, the festival flow is classic Katchatheevu: flag hoisting, Holy Mass, the Way of the Cross, and a chariot procession that turns the sandy paths into a moving, candlelit corridor of prayer.
Why Katchatheevu Keeps Pulling Crowds
The shrine, built in 1913, remains a shared devotional stop for Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities who ask for safe seas and a better catch, especially after rough seasons. In a year when travel clips spread instantly, updates from verified newsroom handles also amplified the rush, turning a local tradition into a national scroll-stopper.
The Trendy Angle This Year
Beyond devotion, the trip has become a living “coastal heritage” moment: families documenting the crossing, volunteers helping elders board, and officials insisting on basic sea-safety discipline before anyone touches open water.
FAQs (15 words each)
1. When Does The Katchatheevu Feast Usually Happen?
It is held in late February or March, depending on church calendar and local permissions.
2. How Long Is The Sea Crossing From Rameswaram?
The journey is about 14 nautical miles, typically a few hours depending on sea conditions.
3. Who Can Join The Pilgrimage?
Registered pilgrims with valid ID, after checks, can travel on approved boats with safety gear.
4. What Are The Main Rituals At The Shrine?
Flag hoisting, Holy Mass, Way of the Cross, and the chariot procession are key highlights.
5. Why Is St Antony Important To Fisherfolk?
Many seek blessings for safe voyages, protection from storms, and a good fishing catch season.
