Date:09/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/09/stories/2006090926370400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Thousands of devotees take part in St. Mary's feast in city

Staff Reporter

People from all parts of Karnataka and neighbouring States participated in it People from all parts of Karnataka and neighbouring States participated in it

PIOUS FOLLOWERS: Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness Mother Mary's decorated car procession on the occasion of St. Mary's feast, in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: Thousands of devotees thronged St. Mary's Basilica at Shivajinagar here for the St. Mary's feast on Friday evening. The event, marking the birthday celebrations of the Blessed Mother Mary, was the culmination of the annual feast of Our Lady of Health.During the 10 days, St. Mary's Basilica had arranged special programmes.

Among the thousands who gathered at the Basilica included people from various castes, creeds and religions from all parts of the State, especially Kolar, and from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

St. Mary's Basilica was earlier called "Kaanike Mathe Devaalaya" (Our Lady of Presentation) and when the church took shape to the present structure in 1882, the Blessed Mother Mary, enshrined here was called "Arogya Mathe" (Mother of Health). Since then, the annual feast of St. Mary's Church is being celebrated every year on September 8.

The city police had imposed restrictions on the movement of vehicles and parking in and around Shivajinagar from 1 p.m. The restrictions will continue till 9 a.m. on Saturday.