The annual festival of Poondi Our Lady of Lourdes Basilica (popularly known as Poondi Matha Kovil) near Thirukkattuppalli in Thanjavur district culminated on May 15 with lowering of the holy flag.

The festival commenced on May 6 with holy flag hoisting and followed by Holy Mass during the ‘nava naatkal’ (novena days). On May 14 evening, the decorated idol of the Lady of Lourdes was placed on a car and pulled by the believers on the Basilica premises.

On May 15 morning, a Memorial Holy Mass of former Parish Priest V.S. Lurde Xavier and Royapper were held, according to a Basilica release.