India: Over 25,000 Attend 72nd Annual Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Graces in Madhya Pradesh’

The 72nd annual pilgrimage festival of Our Lady of Graces was celebrated on February 15 at Panchkui in the Diocese of Jhabua, in India’s central state of Madhya Pradesh.

More than 25,000 devotees participated in the celebration. Pilgrims arrived not only from different parts of Madhya Pradesh but also from neighboring states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.

Preparations for the annual feast began on February 6 with the start of a nine-day novena, during which devotees took part in daily prayer services and Eucharistic celebrations. A three-day spiritual retreat was conducted from February 11 to 13, focusing on renewal through reflection on the Word of God.

On the feast day, multiple Holy Masses were celebrated to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. The principal celebrants included Bishop Valan Arasu of the Diocese of Jabalpur and Bishop Peter Rumal Kharadi of the Diocese of Jhabua. Devotees lit candles, offered flowers, and prayed for personal and family intentions.

A procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Graces was held on the occasion. Pilgrims joined in prayer and devotional hymns as the procession moved through the shrine grounds.

Priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from different regions participated in the celebration. In their homilies, the bishops highlighted the example of Mary’s faith, humility, and obedience, encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christian values and unity.

The Diocese of Jhabua coordinated the arrangements for the pilgrimage, with priests, religious, and volunteers assisting in managing the large gathering of devotees.

The annual pilgrimage to Panchkui remains one of the significant Marian gatherings in the region, drawing thousands of faithful each year.