Kachchatheevu Island, March 14 -- Fishermen from India and Sri Lanka kicked off the St. Anthony festival by participating in the flag-hoisting ceremony and the 'Way of the Cross' procession at the church dedicated to St. Antony on the uninhabited Kachchatheevu Island.

After the annual mass and holy procession tomorrow morning at the island church, the Indian fishermen pilgrims will begin to return back to India.

On fishermen from India and Sri Lanka celebrating St Anthony festival in Kachchatheevu Island, Arun from Columbo, told ANI, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us... It is quite interesting to see Indians and Sri Lankans coming together in peace and harmony to have their prayers answered."

Earlier, the Indian Coast Gu...