Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 26: Hundreds of likeminded Hindu and Christian devotees from Moodubelle organised a padayatra to St Lawrence Minor Basilica in Attur, Karkala on the third day of its annual feast on January 23.

Devotees left Moodubelle around 4.30 pm and reached Attur at 9.30 pm. They returned after offering prayer at Attur church.

A distance of about 27 km from Moodubelle to Attur in Karkala was covered by the devotees. This tradition had begun 12 years ago with just 35 people. There were more than 800 people in the padayatra on Tuesday flagged off by former zilla panchayat president Jerald Fernandes, Rajendra Shetty of Belle gram panchayat and taluk panchayat member Devdas Hebbar.

Climent Mascarenhas, parish priest, St Lawrence Church, Mudubelle blessed the devotees, while assistant parish priest Lawrence Cutinho was present.

The tradition began to spread the message of harmony, love and peace among various religions without any discrimination of caste, creed and religion.

Cool drinks and snacks arrangements were served to all who took part in the Padayatra at 4- 5 locations on their way to Attur from Moodubelle. Evening snacks were also arranged at a residence.

Sandeep Shetty, Govind Jogi and other locals took the responsibility of serving cool drinks and food to the devotees.