Balayesu Feast Draws Thousands of Faithful in Dondapudi

Andhra Pradesh, February 26, 2026 — Nearly 3,000 devotees gathered for the annual Balayesu feast at the Balayesu Shrine in Dondapudi, East Godavari district, as clergy, religious, and lay faithful came together for three days of prayer, reflection, and celebration from February 22 to 24.

Festal liturgies centred on the spiritual meaning of the Lenten season. Fr. John Vegeswarapuram, parish priest, reflected on the theological foundations of Lent, urging the faithful to embrace the season as a time of conversion and renewed commitment to Christian discipleship in daily life.

Continuing the Lenten focus, Fr. Kumar, who presided at one of the solemn Masses, invited participants to move beyond external observance and enter into a deeper spiritual journey marked by self-examination and fidelity to Gospel values.

The principal festal Mass on February 24 was celebrated by Jayarao Polimera, Bishop of the Diocese of Eluru. In his homily, the Bishop described Lent as a call to deeper communion with God and neighbour, linking authentic Lenten observance with devotion to Balayesu and a life rooted in compassion and shared responsibility.

He was joined at the altar by Fr. Sinto OFM Conv., Delegate Superior of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, and Fr. Alex, Superior of the Balayesu Ashram. Several priests concelebrated the Eucharist, while religious sisters from various congregations participated, reflecting the broader ecclesial presence at the celebration.

Cultural programmes held following the liturgical celebrations fostered a spirit of communal joy and shared witness, complementing the prayerful atmosphere of the feast.

The annual Balayesu feast once again affirmed its significance for the faithful of East Godavari, strengthening the call to live the Lenten season with deeper faith, unity, and renewed commitment to God and neighbour.

By Fr. Jeo Kalapurayil, OFM