The Bhalki Jathrotsava 2025 at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bhalki, was a radiant celebration of faith, unity, and divine grace, drawing thousands of pilgrims from across the Diocese of Gulbarga and neighboring regions. Over three sacred days — November 7, 8, and 9, 2025 — Bhalki became a living symbol of devotion, echoing hymns of praise and joy. Inaugural Ceremony and Procession of Peace: The Jathrotsava was officially inaugurated by His Excellency, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, during his visit to Bhalki, with the hoisting of the Jathra Flag on November 1, 2025. The blessing ceremony invoked God’s grace upon the faithful who were preparing their hearts for the great feast .The formal inauguration took place on November 7, led by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, along with Fr. Santhosh Bapu, Vicar General, and Fr. David Antony, Convener of the Jathrotsava, who released doves into the sky, symbolizing peace and freedom in Christ.
A grand and colorful procession followed from Ambedkar Chowk, featuring devotional tableaux, traditional dances, and vibrant flags. The faithful journeyed prayerfully through Gandhi Circle and Basava Chowk, carrying the statue of the Infant Jesus in reverence and love. Upon arrival at the Shrine, Bishop Robert Miranda led the Infant Jesus Novena prayer, followed by the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Santhosh Bapu, marking the spiritual beginning of the Jathrotsava.
The following days were rich in prayer, song, and the Word of God. The Shrine resonated with bhajans, Bible Pathana (Scripture reflection), and Pravachanas by the inspiring Fr. Roman Pinto. The faithful experienced moments of healing prayer and Novena devotion for the sick, deepening their spiritual encounter with the Infant Jesus. The Festive Eucharist on the second day, presided over by Bishop Robert Miranda, was followed by a grand Annadasoha, joyfully served to thousands of devotees — a beautiful gesture of sharing and fraternity.
In the afternoon, a Diocesan Cultural Fest brought the stage alive under the coordination of Neha and Preetham, featuring youth performances, Bible competition winners, MCA and ICYM groups, and academic toppers. The program highlighted the enthusiasm and faith of young people, the living witnesses of today’s Church. As night fell, the Cultural Evening radiated an atmosphere of unity and harmony. Distinguished guests — Shree Shree Dr. Pattadevaru of Bhalki, Shree Karuneshwara Swami of Aland, and Mrs. Praveen Priya of Gulbarga — graced the event.
In his keynote address, Bishop Robert Miranda encouraged all to become “Communicators of Hope” in today’s challenging times. The evening also featured the Visesha Seva Prashasthi presentation to honor outstanding contributors to faith and service, followed by folk dances, Christian skits, and a moving drama on “St. Francis of Assisi – The Beacon of Hope.”
The concluding day was filled with gratitude and prayer.
The Solemn Festive Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary, joined by Bishop Robert Miranda and many priests of the diocese. The diocese was honored by the presence of Shree Sagar Khandre, Shri Shvanada Shetty DYSP, Shri Hanumanth Chavan, Vice President, Forest Department who conveyed his greetings and appreciation. Following the Annadasoha, pilgrims joined in Marathi and Hindi preaching, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the lowering of the Jathra flag led by Bishop Miranda, marking the peaceful and prayerful conclusion of Bhalki Jathrotsava 2025.
A Festival of Faith and Unity: The entire event was beautifully organized under the dedicated leadership of Fr. David Antony, Convener of Bhalki Jathrotsava 2025, with the wholehearted collaboration of priests, religious sisters, and lay volunteers. The Bhalki Jathrotsava 2025 once again stood as a living witness of faith, love, and peace, inspiring every pilgrim with the message: “Faith in Action – Christ in the Heart of Every Pilgrim.” More than a feast, it was a pilgrimage of grace and communion, drawing countless hearts closer to the Infant Jesus of Bhalki, who continues to bless, heal, and unite all who come to Him.
