The state today (April 8 ) celebrated Easter marking the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm.
Ushered in after the penitential season of Lent, Easter was marked with midnight Church service followed by solemn Eucharistic celebrations.
The Pascal commemoration in many parishes was marked with candle light processions.
The devotees were seen busy thronging local markets for purchasing sweets and other goods for the prayers.
PTI adds from New Delhi: Easter services were held in churches in the national capital, Kerala, Orissa and northeastern states like Mizoram and Meghalaya, marking the end of the lent season of fasting and abstinence.
Senior prelates and bishops led the services and gave sermons in cathedrals and churches of different Christian denominations.
In the capital, the main Easter service was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral where about 5,000 people attended a midnight mass. The Union Labour Minister, Mr Oscar Fernandes, an adept musician, joined the church choir during the mass.
Arch bishop of Delhi Vincent Concessao, who led the prayers, blessed the new fire which symbolises the risen Christ. In Kochi, the head of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Catholicose Baselios Mar Cleemis, led the services in St Mary’s Cathedral. Archbishop M Susai Packyam led prayers in St Joseph’s Cathedral.
The Kerala Governor, Mr R L Bhatia, the Chief Minister, Mr V S Achuthanandan and the leader of opposition, Mr Ommen Chandy greeted the people on the occasion.
In Meghalaya and Mizoram, sunrise prayer meetings in different churches marked the beginning of Easter as the states celebrated the festival with religious pomp and gaiety.
Christians sang, prayed and listened to Easter messages from priests and pastors recalling that Christ, crucified on Friday, had risen from the dead on a Sunday morning by conquering death.
Large crowds attended mass in Catholic churches in Shillong and Aizawl.
Navhind Times, Goa Daily
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