Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended wishes on the holy occasion of Easter. "Happy Easter! May this special occasion deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. May it inspire people to serve society and help empower the downtrodden. We remember the pious thoughts of Lord Christ on this day," PM Modi wrote on Twitter.
Easter is celebrated to commemorate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Midnight Easter prayers were held at various churches across the country. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished people on the ocassion of Easter. Gandhi took to Twitter and wrote, "My best wishes and greetings to you and your loved ones on Easter. May this joyous occasion usher in hope, happiness and harmony for all."
Wishing people on Easter, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, "Best wishes on the joyous occasion of Easter ! The celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection marks the triumph of truth over falsehood, of hope over despair, and of goodness over evil. Easter celebrates compassion, fraternity and signifies a brighter future."
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav also took to Twitter and extended wishes on the ocassion of Easter. "Wishing you a blessed Easter filled with love, light, joy, peace & happiness! May the true meaning of Easter be reflected in our lives as we celebrate this special day with new beginnings & renewed hope! May you feel the love of God and follow the path directed by Jesus Christ!", Yadav tweeted.
People gathered at decorated churches and offered prayers on the holy occasion of Easter. Various people assembled at Mount St. Thomas, the headquarters of the Syro-Malabar Church in Kochi on the night of Easter. Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, Cardinal George Alencherry lead the midnight mass.
Prayers on the occasion of Easter were also held at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi. The cathedral was decorated with lights giving an appearance as if the entire holy structure is glowing with a hue of orange and red. Devotees also burned candles and offered prayers. The celebrations were also held at a church in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. Here devotees could be seen holding candlelight inside the church and offering prayers.
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People often witness Easter as a day of chocolate eggs, lambs and bunnies that celebrate spring's coming. These are folk traditions, the day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. According to the Bible, it marks the third day after Jesus was crucified when he rose from the dead.