Fishermen seek government help for Katchatheevu feast

They wanted the government take the responsibility for ferrying the pilgrims and providing them facilities for food and shelter during the festival.

Rameswaram:  A fishermen's association in Rameshwaram on Thursday wanted center government make arrangements to help their people attend the feast of St.Antony's at Katchatheevu island.

The Local Fishermen Association in a letter to Prime Minister and the President said government take the responsibility for ferrying the pilgrims and providing them facilities for food and shelter during the three-day festival beginning Feb. 28.

The association said each person wanting to attend the feast now has to shell out Rs.1300 toward the cost of ferry, food and temporary accommodation in the islet.

While 350 rupees was spent on accommodation and food, the rest is spent as given to ferrying fees as each boat carrying maximum seven people consumes 750 liters of fuel.

As the sea would be rough this month and could damage boats, many are also reluctant operate the boats, it said explaining why they seek government help.

Ramanathapuram District Hindu Munnani Secretary, in a letter to the Tamil Nadu chief minister, claimed more Hindus were attending the St.Anthony's church festival than Christians.

Fishermen from this island mainly go to Sri Lanka to meet Tamils coming for the festival. Hence the Government itself should appoint an official, exclusively for making arrangements for ferrying pilgrims to the Island, without any cost.

Source: Business Standard