Katchatheevu Festival

The Katchatheevu Festival is an annual event held at St. Antony's Shrine on Katchatheevu islet, a location ceded to Sri Lanka but retaining rights for Indian pilgrims to worship. The shrine, constructed in 1913, is venerated by fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka, who seek blessings for a good catch and protection from natural calamities while at sea.

The festival typically occurs in February or March. In 2024, it was scheduled for February 23 and 24, with the Catholic Diocese of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, extending invitations to Indian pilgrims. The event commenced with a flag hoisting ceremony, followed by a holy mass, 'way of the cross', and a car procession of the saint. The festivities concluded with a grand Eucharistic Celebration attended by priests and officials from both countries.

Pilgrims interested in attending were required to submit applications by February 6, accompanied by three photographs, a photocopy of their Aadhaar card, and a no-objection certificate from their local police station. Boat owners transporting pilgrims had to register their details with the Verkodu parish in Rameswaram, which organizes the pilgrimage to the islet located 12 nautical miles off Rameswaram Island. Government employees needed to provide a no-objection certificate from their respective offices, and Sri Lankan Tamils residing in refugee camps were not permitted to participate.

These measures ensure the festival's smooth conduct, fostering cultural and religious ties between India and Sri Lanka.