Home / Lifestyle / Culture / Photos / IN PHOTOS: Colourful glimpses of Novenas at Irla's Church of Our Lady of Health of Velankanni in Vile Parle

IN PHOTOS: Colourful glimpses of Novenas at Irla's Church of Our Lady of Health of Velankanni in Vile Parle

Updated On: 08 September, 2026 01:36 PM IST | Nascimento Pinto

Ahead of the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, popularly called the birthday of Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, on September, many churches across Mumbai and India observed nine days of prayer in preparation. Here are some glimpses from the church in Irla, which is among the most popular churches dedicated to her in the city

  • WhatsApp
  • Twitter
  • WhatsAppBookmarkBookmark
01
The novenas started on August 30 and ended on September 7. Photos Courtesy: Narisa Misquitta
The novenas started on August 30 and ended on September 7. Photos Courtesy: Narisa Misquitta
02
A big part of the tradition of observing the Novenas is the changing colour of Mother Mary's clothes, as she is dressed with the traditional sarees. While the first day had a bright pink saree, the second had a yellow saree, and baby Jesus was dressed in white and pink frocks respectively, with the red crown adorning his head
A big part of the tradition of observing the Novenas is the changing colour of Mother Mary's clothes, as she is dressed with the traditional sarees. While the first day had a bright pink saree, the second had a yellow saree, and baby Jesus was dressed in white and pink frocks respectively, with the red crown adorning his head
03
It was no different on the third and the fourth day as the colours changed to white and blue respectively, while the frock for baby Jesus was also white with shimmering gold on Day 3, and white embroidery on Day 4, but not without the colourful garlands of flowers
It was no different on the third and the fourth day as the colours changed to white and blue respectively, while the frock for baby Jesus was also white with shimmering gold on Day 3, and white embroidery on Day 4, but not without the colourful garlands of flowers
04
The church has also seen devotees who make the annual pilgrimage to the church, along with locals who call Irla's Church of Our Lady of Health of Velankanni their parish, visit on all days. The colours on Day 5 and 6 changed to pink and blue respectively, along with new garlands of flowers, making those praying look in awe
The church has also seen devotees who make the annual pilgrimage to the church, along with locals who call Irla's Church of Our Lady of Health of Velankanni their parish, visit on all days. The colours on Day 5 and 6 changed to pink and blue respectively, along with new garlands of flowers, making those praying look in awe
05
Most people who prayer the Novena ensure that they follow it through all the nine days across churches in Mumbai, and it was no different at the church in Vile Parle. The seventh, eighth and ninth day, saw different shades of yellow on Day 7 and 9, while Day 8 saw another shade of blue, making it quite a colourful glimpse across nine days
Most people who prayer the Novena ensure that they follow it through all the nine days across churches in Mumbai, and it was no different at the church in Vile Parle. The seventh, eighth and ninth day, saw different shades of yellow on Day 7 and 9, while Day 8 saw another shade of blue, making it quite a colourful glimpse across nine days
06
While there are quite a few churches dedicated to Mother Mary in Mumbai, Irla's Church of Our Lady of Health of Velankanni in Vile Parle is among the most popular church across many decades that sees devotees visit during this September, apart from others who make it to Mount Mary's Basilica in Bandra
While there are quite a few churches dedicated to Mother Mary in Mumbai, Irla's Church of Our Lady of Health of Velankanni in Vile Parle is among the most popular church across many decades that sees devotees visit during this September, apart from others who make it to Mount Mary's Basilica in Bandra

Recommended Photos

Next Gallery

Photo of Day

A clear view

A clear view

An early bird perches on the Lady of Progress statue atop Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus as the monsoon covers come off. Pic/Ashish Raje