Vijayawada, February 10: The three-day annual Mary Matha festival atop Gunadala Hill near here kicked off today with devotees thronging the shrine in large numbers.
A holy mass was held to mark the launch of the three-day festival. The shrine authorities in co-ordination with the Vijayawada municipal corporation made several arrangements for the devotees. Water sachets are being provided to the pilgrims and temporary bathrooms were built for the convenience of them. APSRTC authorities and the local railway officials were operating special buses and trains to transport devotees to the shrine during the festival.
A Bible exhibition was being held at Bishop Gracy High School, adjacent to the shrine, which is drawing huge crowds.
Cultural programmes were also being held in the school to entertain the devotees.Father Mathew Cherian Kunnel performed the holy mass in the evening.Vijayawada Bishop Mallavarapu Prakash and others attended the holy mass.
–Agencies