IN PICS | The faithful throng Annai Vailankanni church in Chennai for Mother Mary's annual fest

Lakhs of faithful visit the Annai Vailankanni shrine in Besant Nagar during its annual festival from 29 August to 8 September. Motorists and pedestrians had a harrowing time due to the crowds. The visitors also complained of poor facilities like scarce drinking water and few functional toilets.

Lakhs of devotees from all walks of life visit the Annai Vailankanni shrine on Besant Nagar beach during its annual festival from 29 August to 8 September. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS) 

Motorists and pedestrians had a harrowing time due to the crowds at the shrine on 29 August 2019. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

The pilgrims complained of poor facilities like scarce drinking water and very few functional toilets. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

The 47th edition of the Annai Vailankanni festival kicked off with a procession of the 12-foot festival flag of Our Lady of Good Health. It was then hoisted at the shrine by George Antonysamy, Archbishop of the Madras-Mylapore Diocese on 29 August 2019. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

The flag hoisting ceremony marks the beginning of 9 days of prayer and devotion leading up to the birthday of Mother Mary on 8 September. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

George Antonysamy, Archbishop of the Madras-Mylapore Diocese will preside over high mass on 7 September with other priests of the Archdiocese, followed by a grand chariot procession of the statue of Mother Mary carrying Baby Jesus. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

September 8 is observed as the birthday of the Mother at the Vailankanni shrine. The feast of the shrine is held on this day. The fest concludes with the crowing of the statue of Mother Mary. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

Fr. P.T. Arulappa in 1972 erected the lady of Vailankanni shrine, following a dream he had of Virgin Mary with infant Jesus. It is today a major pilgrimage centre for thousands of devotees especially those who pray for good health. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)