Easter

When is Easter 2022?

Easter holiday is among the most important Christian festivals that commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, the Christian Holy book, Jesus resurrected on the third day after being crucified on Friday. Although the population of Christians in India is only 2.5%, the observance is marked countrywide even by the non-Christians.

What is Easter?

Jesus died and was crucified on Good Friday. He spent three days buried in the tomb, but on the third day, he is believed to have risen. A woman by the name Mary Magdalene found the tomb empty on Sunday, and Jesus is believed to have resurrected. The celebrations start 40 days before Easter, a period called the lent season to signify the time Jesus was in the wilderness in preparation for his death. The Easter season also encompasses Palm Sunday, the day he rode on a donkey into the city of Jerusalem and Maundy Thursday, which was the day he had the last supper with his disciples before his crucifixion.

When is Easter?

The date for the Easter holiday changes every year. The observance is usually marked on the first Sunday after the full moon, which is either on or after March equinox (21st March). Easter 2021 will be celebrated on 12th April.

Is Easter a public holiday?

Easter holiday is a restricted holiday in India. Since Easter falls on Sunday, it, therefore, remains a day off to most people. Unlike in many countries where Easter Sunday’s observance is moved to Monday, this does not happen in India.

What is open or closed on Easter?

Indians have a day off on Sunday, and therefore government offices, banks, post offices remain closed on Easter Sunday. Some businesses many, however, operate per the Sunday working hours. Public transport may also be slightly affected due to heavy traffic in areas with a high Christian population.

Things to do on Easter

Easter is the second-largest Christian festival after Christmas. The majority of Christians are situated in the states of Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, and Manipur.

As a Christian, start this day by heading to church for special service and prayers. At the church, you can take part in candle lighting, flower decorations, dancing, and ringing the church bell.

In Nagaland, you can join thousands of Christians at the World War II cemetery for the popular Easter sunrise service. The service is welcome to all and involves various church denominations coming together to worship.

Similarly, if you are in Goa, you will have the opportunity to participate in special masses and attend the famous Goa carnival. The festival is marked with street dramas, dancing, singing, and cultural costume. The best part is that plenty of flowers and Easter lanterns are given to those who participate in the various activities. If you stay in Kerala, your best bet would be to attend the midnight services at St Joseph’s cathedral catholic church.

You can also organize a feast at home that features traditional cuisines. It is common to serve lamb for dinner since it is believed that Jesus is a symbol of sacrifice. Moreover, a lamb is tender and flavourful to serve as an excellent meal for dinner.

Children get new clothes, decorate eggs, and participate in egg hunt activities believed to have been hidden by the Easter Bunny. On top of that, the children receive gift baskets full of candy, snacks, among other presents.

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