Prayers offered for well-being of the nation and the State
The three-day annual festival of Gunadala Mary Matha got off to a grand start here on Monday, with devotees thronging the Mother's shrine in multitudes to be part of the special prayers offered on the occasion.
The first day’s festivities began with a Holy Mass performed by religious heads. Amid singing of carols by various choirs, prayers were offered for the well-being of the nation and the State as well.
The sprawling campus of Bishop Grassy High School, the main entrance point to reach the shrine atop the hill, witnessed frenzied activity.
The Gunadala carnival, which became a Diocesan fest in 1937, attracts people of all faiths. Besides Christians, a large number of people following other religions also head to this place, which is said to be wielding a healing power. Many devotees bring their infant babies to the fest to seek the Mother's blessings.
The winding pathway to the grotto bustled with families climbing up the hill with great devotion. Many come here to have their heads tonsured. They break coconuts at the shrine and join the queue heading to the grotto on the hillock to light candles.
Constant guidelines by the organisers on the public address system with regard to the dos and don’ts helped keep discipline in the vicinity. Barricading was done on the premises of the shrine, the steps leading to the grotto and the road outside the shrine. Security personnel posted at the venue to ensure smooth flow of devotees in and out of the shrine, kept a hawk’s vigil on the floating population. A few traders set up photo studios and fast food centres. Eluru Diocese Vicar General Thota Gabriel, Rector M. Chinnappa, Chancellor J. John Raju, Social Service Centre Executive Director Prasad Muvvala and others were present.
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