Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The annual Gunadala Mary Matha Festival commenced with grandeur in Vijayawada, featuring an early morning prayer session and a Holy Mass attended by thousands of devotees. Under the leadership of Gunadala Bishop Telagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, special prayers were conducted, followed by sermons from Roman Catholic dignitaries from various states across India, highlighting the glory of Gunadala Mary Matha.

Devotees thronged the Gunadala Hill shrine, offering prayers and fulfilling their vows in a solemn atmosphere of faith and devotion. With thousands of pilgrims gathering for the event, the Vijayawada City Police implemented stringent security measures to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration.

Bishop Joseph Raja Rao, addressing the congregation, stated that this year marks the 101st annual celebration of the revered festival, which will be observed over three days. He emphasized that elaborate arrangements have been made in coordination with multiple departments to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event, given the anticipated arrival of lakhs of devotees from across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Muvvala Prasad, General of the Gunadala Matha Shrine, affirmed that the festival will commence daily with a Divine Holy Mass, and the shrine committee has taken meticulous steps to ensure that pilgrims can participate in the religious proceedings without inconvenience. The committee is actively overseeing arrangements to facilitate special prayer sessions for devotees.