Over 13,000 pilgrims expected at Kachchativu feast [March 19 2011]

Over 10,000 local and 3,000 Indian pilgrims are expected at the main feast of the St. Anthony's Church religious festival in Kachchativu Island.

The government has relaxed restrictions on Tamil Nadu fishermen and granted permission for them to visit the Kachchativu Island today and tomorrow.

Fishing communities from Tamil Nadu reportedly take a four hour boat ride to visit the Kachchativu Island annually to participate in the religious celebrations.

India ceded the Kachchativu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 although devotees from India continued to attend the festivities of the St.Anthony's Church which was established in 1905.

The practice was interrupted during the three-decade long conflict during which public was not allowed to visit the island due to security situation.