The annual celebrations at Annai Velankani Church, Besant Nagar, will commence on August 29, 2024, with a flag hoisting ceremony and will continue until September 8, 2024. The festivities will include a series of Eucharistic chariot processions with an estimated attendance of one lakh pilgrims and visitors.
Key Event Details:
• August 29, 2024, 4:30 PM: Flag hoisting and Eucharistic chariot procession starting from the church. The procession will travel through 6th Avenue, Beach Road, 3rd Main Road, 2nd Avenue, and 7th Avenue before returning to the church.
• September 1, 2024, 5:30 PM: Eucharistic procession with the Grand Chariot, following the route from the church through 6th Avenue, Beach Road, 4th Main Road, 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, and 7th Avenue.
• September 7, 2024, 5:30 PM: Another Eucharistic procession with the Grand Chariot, traveling through 6th Avenue, Beach Road, 4th Main Road, 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, and 7th Avenue.
Traffic and Parking Advisory:
1. For Vehicles Coming from Thiru. Vi. Ka Bridge:
• Vehicles heading towards Besant Nagar or Shastri Nagar via Besant Avenue Road (Theosophical Society Road) will proceed as usual. In case of heavy crowds or traffic congestion, vehicles will be diverted at Dr. Muthulakshmi Park (ML Park) towards LB Road to reach MG Road, Besant Nagar 1st Main Road, Shastri Nagar Bus Depot, Right Turn, 2nd Avenue Road.
• Parking for Pilgrims from North Chennai: Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School, Aringar Anna Government Higher Secondary School, Besant Nagar 2nd Main Road, Besant Nagar 4th Avenue, Besant Nagar PT Cross Street, Besant Nagar 17th Cross Street.
2. For Vehicles Coming from ECR/OMR via Tiruvanmiyur Junction:
• Vehicles traveling towards Adyar will proceed as usual. In case of heavy traffic congestion on LB Road, vehicles will be diverted towards TIDEL Park junction and then towards OMR to reach Kotturpuram or Adyar.
• Parking for Pilgrims from South Chennai/ECR/OMR: Kalakshetra Foundation.
3. Advice for Local Residents:
• Residents of Besant Nagar and Shastri Nagar are advised to use personal vehicles for essential purposes only on August 29, 2024, due to expected crowds. It is also recommended to avoid visiting Elliots Beach on this day.
Please plan your travel accordingly and follow the traffic advisories to ensure smooth transit during the celebrations.