Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 22 (IANS) With fasts and daylong prayer services in churches, the Christian community in the national capital and all over the country observed Good Friday, which marks the day of crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

“The prayer services generally go on till 3 p.m. as it is believed that Christ died on the cross at that time. For three hours from noon people meditate, pray and read the gospel to commemorate the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross,” Plavendran Paul, a pastor in Delhi, told IANS.

During the special prayer service, the priest reads the gospel and the chapters on the “Passion of Christ” at length. There are 14 events highlighted in the gospel from the time Christ is condemned to death till the time he is buried.

The observance of the 40-day lent period is strictest on Good Friday, the last-but-one day of the Passion Week that culminates with Easter Sunday, the day when Jesus resurrected, said Anju Anna Luke, a nun from Bangalore.

For Deepthi Daniel, Good Friday signifies the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and so her friends and relatives got together and distributed books, clothes and food packets to the poor people in Pune.

Easter, the day of resurrection, is celebrated in all Christian homes with a grand feast.

“Usually the menu has duck or turkey roast, red wine with a wide variety of other items like muffins, pastries and other mouth watering delicacies,” Daniel said.

The Easter celebrations begin as early as 3 a.m. Sunday since it is believed that Christ resurrected at the break of dawn.

After early morning mass in the church, the day is filled with celebrations, including the distribution of painted Easter eggs.

The Easter eggs are hard boiled and salted which symbolise new life.