Vailankani, an Indian holy village where 900 people lost their live during the Tsunami a year ago, had decked up and had bells tolling on Saturday night, Christmas eve. It was visited by 2,500 people of all religions and faiths.

People from far off Indian places, like Kerela, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa as well as Sri Lanka, had descended on the city to witness the ceremony at the Vailankanni church, which is a famous pilgrimage spot in South India. Local villagers too, turned up with their families.

The huge church premises was decorated with lights and flowers. People dressed in their best saris and veshtis (South Indian wear for women and men respectively) arrived at the church with their children.

Mr. Newton, who came from Sri Lanka with his wife, said he enjoyed the ceremony. Linda from East India's Kolkata, on a tour of South India said, "The decor is great and enthusiasm unlimited. Linda's friend Debra, too, was flattered by the enthusiasm.

"It's amazing to see such vigor in people of the village that has witnessed such a huge disaster," she said.

There was fervor and festivity all around and visitors enthusiastically indulged in prayers and festivity. Meanwhile, priests quoted from the Old Testament and prayer songs were sung in chorus. Everyone rose and prayed to the Mother, Vailankanni, who is also called Virgin Mary.

Father P. Xavier, head priest tells how people had moved on with their lives. "Now it is not tsunami, but the rains that they are now worried about. Continuous rains in South India have thrown their lives out of gear," said Father.

In fact, celebrations were not just restricted to the church. Bright cut-outs of stars hung outside most houses and most cold drink and tea vendors kept open till after 2:00 pm.

Over 900 locals and tourists were swallowed by the sea on Dec. 26, 2004. Most had gone to take a stroll at the sea shores when the killer waves struck.

Tsunami-ravaged Vailankanni indeed showed national integration with Christians, Hindus and people of other faiths praying in chorus to Mother Vailankanni.

The statue of the holy mother Vailankanni, is draped in a saree in a typical Indian fashion. She holds Jesus on her hands.

It is said that anybody who visits the shrine whole-heartedly has always received the benediction of the Mother. For centuries the church has been famous for the miracles experienced by the devotees.

Source: Xinhua