Summary: Commonly referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” the Vailankanni shrine in Tamil Nadu, India, draws more attendees than its French equivalent. From August 29 to September 8, around three million pilgrims are expected to visit during the annual celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
The shrine, honoring Our Lady of Good Health, has origins tracing back to the 16th century when the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared to two Hindu boys. One of these boys, an orphan with a limp, was miraculously cured. Subsequently, Portuguese sailors constructed a church at Vailankanni to express gratitude to the Virgin for their rescue from a tempest after they prayed for her help.
Reported miracles at Vailankanni have continued to increase, attracting believers of various faiths. Each year, about 20 million pilgrims—Christians, Hindus, and Muslims—visit this “Mother of Healing.” The shrine accommodates diverse religious practices; during festivals and processions, prayers are offered in more than seven languages, with many pilgrims approaching the shrine on their knees or by rolling on the ground.