Thousands of devotees took part in the grand annual car procession of St Mary in Shivajinagar on Saturday.
The car festival was organised as part of the St Mary’s Feast at St Mary’s Basilica.
Clad in pink robes, the devotees followed the Lady of Health St Mary’s idol placed in a well decorated car which was taken around the Basilica.
Followers of all ages - from six to 80- were seen throwing salt and pepper and flowers at the car during the procession.
Usha Patrick, a mother of two children and a homemaker said that she has followed the St Mary’s feast procession for 11 years.
“We believe in the healing miracles of Mother Mary. They have created wonders for us,” she added.
For many, the feast is a time of family get together. Sheela Vincent, a teacher, said, “Every year my siblings with their children make sure we meet up during the St Mary’s Feast. On the last day of feast, during the procession, we, as a family of 16 members in a group, follow the car and pray for the blessings of Mother Mary.”
St Mary’s Feast celebrates the birth of Mother Mary. The festival begins with the hoisting of a traditional flag.
A Novena is held on the first nine days. September 8, the day on which Mother Mary was born, is celebrated as a feast.