Christians flock churches to celebrate Easter

New Delhi – Celebrating the holiest event of the Christian calendar, the devout yesterday congregated in churches in commemoration of Easter, marking Jesus Christ’s resurrection after the crucifixion, and wished each other a new beginning that would bring peace and prosperity.

In morning masses filled with joyful chanting of Alleluia, Christians proclaim that Jesus Christ is raised from the dead, restoring eternal life for them.

After these masses, Christians across the country took part in feasts to celebrate the resurrection.

Catholics broke the 40–day Lent period of fasting and penitence to commemorate the final act of the Messiah dying on the cross to atone for the sins of mankind.

Communions were held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Church of North India, St Thomas Church, Methodist Church St Dominique's Church and Holy Trinity Church among others in the national capital and children took part in treasure hunts for Easter Eggs and other goodies in the spirit of "joy and the new harvest".

Lakhs of Syrian Christians in Kerala flocked churches like St Teresa's in Kochi while people in Malayattoor made their way to the St Thomas' shrine, believed to have been built by the apostle. Devotees in the south Kerala town every year carry the cross to the hilltop shrine on Good Friday.

The Resurrection of Jesus, which is the culmination of his incarnation, passion and death, completes the mystery of redemptive salvation.

The historical facts of Jesus death and resurrection, although happened centuries ago, continue to mesmerize generations, elevating them to reaffirm belief in a religion that is spread across the globe, in almost every country and among all races.

The Easter marks the end of the forty days of Lent, a period of intense prayer and abstention, which starts on Ash Wednesday. It ends on Easter Sunday, a day of feasting and jubilation, expressing the joy of resurrection.

Easter, which celebrates the central theme of Christian faith, is also the culmination of a prayer–filled week. It starts with the Palm Sunday that commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy (sometime called Silent) Saturday are the other important days of the week. While Maundy Thursday observers Last Supper, Good Friday commemorates the Crucifixion.

In some countries Easter lasts for two days, including the Easter Monday. The council of Nicea in 325 decided that Easter should be celebrated on a Sunday, and simultaneously, all over the Christian world.