KARIMNAGAR, MARCH 31, 2024: The Christian community on Sunday celebrated Easter with great religious fervour and traditional fanfare in various parts of Karimnagar town.
People decked in their Sunday best turned out in droves to attend mass and special prayer ceremonies held at all churches in the morning, hours after special midnight services were offered to mark the beginning of Easter celebrations.
The annual festival marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is the culmination of the 40-day lent season, a time of fasting, almsgiving, repentance and spiritual renewal. Celebrating the hope of a new life, symbolised by the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, after his crucifixion on Good Friday, the community observed the day with somberness. The celebrations began at the crack of dawn with a sunrise worship service at the Christian cemetery here. Members of all local congregations participated in the service with zest.
This was followed by Easter worship services in all the churches of the diocese in various parts of Karimnagar town as per schedule prepared by their pastorate committees.
Talking about the significance of Easter, Cathedral Wesley Church Rev S Johan said: “Easter is also a celebration of death that leads believers to eternal life. Death is not the end for a believer, but a new life with the Almighty in eternity.” He said the Easter celebrations are relevant even in the modern context when humanity is increasingly beset by incidents of crime, hatred and injustice. Pastors Paul and his assistant Madhusudhan, local secretary C Narayana, treasurer Sanjay, women secretary Radhika and others were also present. The local gospel team Mohan Raj, B Praveen Sagar, Chandrashekhar, Jadson William and others captivated with their songs hailing Jesus and his sacrifices.
