Catholics from all over the world celebrates the birth anniversary of Mother Mary. This festival is celebrated every year.

Catholics of Bhopal also celebrated this birth anniversary by attending the prayer service from their respective churches following Covid norms. Before the day of celebration, there is a special prayer called Novena for 9 days. This Novena is dedicated to “Mata Velankanni”. The special devotees of Mother Mary complete this novena with fasting and sacrifice for nine days. On the birth day customary procession of Mother Mary's tableau is usually taken out. During this procession, other religious people also pour flowers on the tableau of Mother Mary, which exemplifies communal harmony. But due to Covid -19 the procession is being cancelled this year.

During the nine days of prayer, the devotees believe that the mother of Velankanni, who is also called the Mother of Good health, intercede for the good health of family and friends. Special prayers are also offered to save the country from  Corona virus.

As per the history, Mother Mary appeared to people in Fatima, Lourdes and Velankanni. Velankanni is a world recognized pilgrimage centre for the devotees of all religions. The story goes back saying the sailors were saved from the storm and cyclone in sea through the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary. Later the sailors built a small Church at Velankanni village in honour of Mother Mary. So many miracles including healing the sick are witnessed by number of people.