Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar to Celebrate Annual Feast on September 8
Harihar: The Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar, is all set to celebrate its annual feast with great devotion and fervour on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The feast will be celebrated under the theme “Mary – Mother of Destitutes.” Thousands of pilgrims from across Karnataka, neighbouring states and various language communities are expected to participate in the celebrations.
The nine-day novena will commence on Sunday, August 30, at 5:30 p.m. The flag hoisting ceremony will be conducted by Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga.
The novena will be held from August 30 to September 7, beginning each day at 5:30 p.m. The programme will include a procession, novena prayers, floral homage, Holy Eucharist, special adoration and healing prayers for the sick.
On September 7 at 5.30 p.m., the Holy Mass will be celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Mysore.
The Feast Day on September 8 will feature Masses in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and English to cater to pilgrims from different linguistic communities. The Mass in Malayalam, according to the Syro-Malabar Rite, at 7:15 a.m. will be celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Arumachadath, Bishop of Bhadravathi.
At 10.45 a.m., the Apostolic Administrator of Shimoga will be formally welcomed. The main celebration will be the Concelebrated High Mass in Kannada at 11 a.m., presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga.
Other programmes on the feast day include a Konkani Mass at 1:15 p.m., adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by the Yesu Sparsha Team at 2:30 p.m., a Kannada Mass at 4 p.m., the Solemn Procession at 5 p.m., and another Kannada Mass at 7:30 p.m. The celebrations will conclude with a vote of thanks at 8:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, September 9, special programmes will include the blessing of pilgrims’ vehicles at 9 a.m., and the blessing of pilgrims at 5 p.m. Holy Masses will be celebrated at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon and 4 p.m.
The Basilica has made various facilities available for pilgrims. Confessions and blessings will be offered in different languages throughout the day. Flowers, candles, religious articles, holy water, oil and books on the history of the Basilica will be available at the church stall. Offerings in gold, silver and sarees can be made near the presbytery. Mass intentions and offerings can also be sent online.
For online offerings, the bank details are: Account Name: Our Lady of Health Shrine; Account No.: 0478101058196; Bank: Canara Bank, Harihar; IFSC: CNRB0000478.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar, is located at P.B. No. 19, Harihar – 577 601, Davangere District, Karnataka. For further information, devotees may contact the Rector’s office at +91 73492 46751 or email olhharihar@gmail.com. The official website is www.hariharshrine.org.
Devotees from across the country are cordially invited to participate in the annual feast and experience the love and blessings of Harihar Matha – Mother of Destitutes. Devotees may also send their prayer requests and testimonies of favours received to the Rector’s office.
Rev. Fr. George K.A., Rector, along with the parish clergy, religious and parishioners of the Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar, extend a hearty welcome to all pilgrims and devotees.
