Thanjavur: The annual festival to mark the birth of Mary began at the Pudumai Madha Basilica, built by Tamil poet Veeramamunivar, at Poondi near Thirukattupalli in Thanjavur district today, with the hoisting of the sacred flag.

Rev. Fr. F. Anthonisamy, Bishop of Kumbakonam Diocese, hoisted the flag in the presence of Rector A. Packiasamy and Vice-Rector Alphonse. Thousands of devotees participated in the event. Novena mass and sermons will be held at 6 pm every day. The solemn car procession will be held on September 8.

The church was built by Rev.Fr. Constantine Joseph Beschi, an Italian Jesuit Missionary, popularly known as Veeramamunivar, who named it as the Church of Mary Queen Immaculate Conception.

The statue of Pudumai Madha has been in the church since 1858. The church has a relic of the True Cross, believed to be the one on which Christ was crucified.

Photo: The hoisting of the sacred flag at the Pudumai Madha Basilica.