Every year, the Velankanni Church Festival at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, draws millions of devoted pilgrims and tourists. This grand celebration, running from August 29 to September 8, 2023, encompasses a spectrum of religious and cultural events, making it a significant pilgrimage destination.
For the convenience of travelers, especially those from Kerala, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has launched a direct bus service from Changanassery to Velankanni. This initiative aims to provide a comfortable and cost-effective travel option for devotees attending the festival.
The Velankanni Church Festival Highlights
The Velankanni Church Festival is a captivating blend of spirituality and culture, featuring:
- Flag-Hoisting Ceremony: Commencing the festivities with the hoisting of the church flag.
- Novena Prayers: A series of nine special prayers dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health.
- Car Procession: A mesmerizing procession of the deity’s idol through the town.
- Mass Services: Offering moments of deep reflection and prayer.
- Shower of Rose Petals: A beautiful tradition where rose petals are showered upon the congregation.
- Stalls and Entertainment: A vibrant fair with stalls, shops, and entertainment activities.
KSRTC Direct Bus Service Details
The KSRTC direct bus service from Changanassery to Velankanni operates from August 28 to September 9, 2023, covering approximately 500 km in around 12 hours. Key details include:
- Departure: Changanassery at 6:30 pm, Arrival: Velankanni at 6:30 am the following day.
- Stops Along the Way: Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Karur, Trichy, and Thanjavur.
- Return Journey: Velankanni departure at 7:30 pm, reaching Changanassery at 7:30 am the next day.
Comfort and Convenience for Pilgrims
The KSRTC direct bus service offers passengers a comfortable journey with the following amenities:
- Super Deluxe Coaches: Air-conditioned coaches with push-back seats, LED TVs, and more.
- Essentials: Mobile charging points, reading lamps, curtains, blankets, pillows, and snacks.
- Fares: Rs 1,000 for one-way travel, Rs 1,800 for a round trip per person.
Booking and Reservations
Booking seats on this direct bus service can be done:
- Online: Via the official KSRTC website.
- Authorized Agents: Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance or until seats are available.
- Cancellation and Modifications: These can be made online or through agents, with charges based on the time of cancellation.
Explore Velankanni and Beyond
Besides attending the festival, travelers can explore Velankanni and its surrounding attractions while ensuring safety throughout the journey.
Plan Your Pilgrimage
The KSRTC direct bus service from Changanassery to Velankanni provides a convenient and economical means of attending the Velankanni Church Festival. It offers pilgrims and tourists an opportunity to immerse themselves in the spiritual and cultural significance of this grand celebration while experiencing hassle-free travel. Travelers are encouraged to book their seats in advance and make the most of this seamless transportation option.
Source : nativeplanet
