The annual festival of St Antony’s Shrine starts in Katchatheevu Island of Sri Lanka. The festival started with the traditional flag hoisting ceremonies. St Antony is being prayed by the devotees as the patron saint of sea farers. The festival celebrations also featured the participation of more than 3,000 devotees from India. As per an agreement between the two governments, Indians are not required to possess an Indian passport or Sri Lankan visa for visiting Kachchatheevu.