Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (CN)

Udupi, Oct 5: The annual feast of the Holy Cross was celebrated at Uppinakote, Brahmavar, recently. It was attended by about 600 devotees which is an increase from last year.

This celebration has an interesting history. There is a junction at Uppinakote on National Highway 17, which has a sharp bend. Many accidents have taken place at this spot and some have been fatal. After many such incidents, the priest from St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Brahmavar, suggested the building of a cross at this spot.

The cross was constructed five years ago and since then every year, this feast of the Holy Cross has been celebrated. Since the cross came up here, there have been no accidents at all at this junction.
 
Villagers from the surrounding areas gather here on the day of the feast and cook food to serve the gathering. Prayers are held in the evening in the house behind the cross. Priests from Brahmavar, Kolal Giri, Sasthan, and Kandlur, conduct the prayers. Further prayers are held at the cross.

Then everyone proceeds in a processesion to Old Uppinkote market, the highway, and back to the cross with candles in their hands and singing of holy hymns. After all the villagers reach back at the cross, the priests bless the faithful and everyone proceeds for dinner.
 
Every day, many truck drivers, travellers, and villagers, stop and light candles at the cross. A permanent drinking water facility has also been provided near the cross for travellers.