Devotees throng St Mary's Basilica

Piety and prayers marked St Mary’s feast, in City, with thousands of devotees thronging the St Mary’s Basilica in Shivajinagar on Monday and witnessing the grand chariot procession.

 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah flagged off the procession and Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras blessed the chariot. Devotees clad in saffron offered prayers as they celebrated the birth of Mother Mary, throughout the day. 

Roads leading to church was chock-a-block prior to the procession. Devotees  from different parts of the country were present in large numbers. 

“Last year, I was unable to participate. This time, I, along with my family members, arrived a week back before. We got to see the procession from close despite huge crowds,” said Vinay D' Souza,  from Tamil Nadu.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the State government’s commitment to provide security to every sections of society in in the State. 

Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras spoke on the problems faced by women including female foeticide, while praying for flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir. The 11-day festivities culminated on Monday.