Christmas - Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health- Nagapattinam

Christmas is commemorated on December 25th each year to honour the birth of Jesus, the patron saint of Christianity. Tamilnadu is known as the "Land of Many Faiths" because it is home to a diverse population with many cultural differences, religions, and customs. In Tamilnadu, people of all communities come together to celebrate Christmas together with friends and family in a spectacular way, making it a magnificent celebration. Christians commemorate the festival by making Christmas preparations including painting their homes and decorating them with Christmas trees, and other colourful bulbs, bells and small trinkets. With these holiday accents, the atmosphere of the homes is even more lovely, and the women of the Christian households bake customary Christmas desserts. The Velankanni Church in Nagapattinam, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is the holiest Christian pilgrimage site in India and is often referred to as the "Lourdes of the East." Traditions claim that Mother Mary and the baby Jesus appeared at this extremely holy region. The Velankanni Church in Nagapattinam, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is the holiest Christian pilgrimage site in India and is often referred to as the "Lourdes of the East." According to mythology, Mother Mary and the baby Jesus appeared in this extremely holy region. The church glitters during the Christmas season by being adorned with a variety of dazzling lighting and a Christmas tree decorated with a variety of Christian decorations. Christmas celebrations take place on December 24th, Christmas Eve, and the festivities start with a midnight prayer that is attended by the majority of the population. The devotees gather at the church to celebrate the festival by singing Christmas carols. During twilight, the church also organises a fireworks show to celebrate the glory of the Lord.