Easter is a major Christian event commemorating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The festival’s dates are, however, not fixed. Easter is observed on the very first Sunday after a full moon. Summer has arrived, and April is an incredible time to go on vacation. The flowers in the meadows and valleys are in full bloom. Churches across the country are lit and dressed up for Easter, which was embraced with zeal by Christians on Sunday. Devotees from across the country come and gather to celebrate this festival enthusiastically. Plan a trip to these best places to visit during easter for a weekend getaway.
1. Goa
Christianity arrived in the state of Goa with the Portuguese throughout the late fifteenth century and has remained the mainstream religion of most people ever since. Goa, India’s Christian heartland, is undoubtedly the greatest place to visit to experience Western-style Easter celebrations. The customary ceremonies begin on Thursday, the day before Good Friday. All of the churches in Goa are beautifully adorned and filled with worshippers. On that Thursday night, a meal is organised to commemorate the Last Supper of the Lord. The fasting of Easter begins with the completion of the feast. The celebrations are vast. However, the most impressive occur in Panaji, the state capital. The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji is the highlight of the celebrations, drawing the largest audience. Easter in Goa, a festival devoted solely to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, is a memorable experience for travellers.
2. Mizoram
Because of the city’s huge Christian population, Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital, has extensive Easter celebrations. During the holiday, churches in the area offer special prayers, and cafes and diners provide wonderful food. Easter Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection for the salvation of humanity, is celebrated with the customary joyous enthusiasm across Christian-majority Mizoram. The Easter celebrations began on Saturday night, with members of the Catholic Church enjoying an Easter fast. On Sunday mornings, band parties from various Salvation Army corps across the state go to the streets, playing the hymn “He’s arisen” to spread the message of Christ’s resurrection. United Pentecostal, Presbyterian, and Baptist Churches offer praise and worship daily, and many local churches host community feasts to commemorate Christ’s resurrection.
3. Kerala
Easter is a significant event for Christians, usually celebrated in March or April. Easter is supposed to commemorate Jesus Christ’s resurrection and thus has immense importance among believers. The people of Kerala celebrate Easter on four specific occasions. They begin with fasting, during which worshippers fast for about forty days. Christians avoid eating non-vegetarian items while fasting. It is subsequently followed by Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Holy Sunday. The octave of easter is the next time when several kids are baptised. Finally, Easter arrives. On Easter Sunday, the majority of Kerala’s churches have midnight prayers. On Easter Sunday, there is a huge family gathering. It is important to enjoy and have fun to maintain the festive tone of the event.
4. Mumbai
Easter is a day of joy and celebration that commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day following his Crucifixion. The day celebrates the end of the Lenten fasting period with hot cross buns, festivities, Easter egg hunts, and a wonderful Easter meal. Churches in Mumbai and Vasai stayed closed on Holy Saturday after Good Friday rituals before resuming Easter services in the evening. On Easter and Sunday, churches throughout the city organise special prayer sessions, and families, friends and relatives endeavour to connect and distribute gifts to one another. Morning ceremonies are celebrated in the church to renew baptismal vows and bless people with Holy water sanctified on Saturday.
5. Meghalaya
Devotees, including Christians, celebrate Easter with religious zeal in Meghalaya to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The celebration began on Saturday night with an Easter vigil, notably among Catholics who attended a candlelight procession during a special ceremony held in several churches throughout the state. The annual Sunrise Service, which occurs at dawn in Tura’s oldest church, the Tura Baptist Church, was one of the major ceremonies to honour the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. On Easter Sunday, Christians in Christian-dominated Meghalaya prayed for peace and unity as they recognised Jesus’ resurrection from the grave.
6. Tamil Nadu
On the Sunday after Easter, villages in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts where Christian populations predominate perform an age-old practice of re-enacting Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The tradition, known as ‘Pasca’ by its Roman Catholic Church in certain areas, was founded more than 300 years ago by foreign missionaries who saw theatre as crucial in promoting the Gospel. Pondicherry, likewise, lights up during Easter, which begins a week earlier with Palm Sunday. Good Friday is celebrated two days before Easter. This sad day is highlighted by reciting church prayers, individual fasting and Bible texts. The Santhome Basilica in Chennai and the Holy Velankanni church in Nagapattinam hosted the largest congregations. Hundreds of worshippers flocked to the Velankanni church. The festivities, which began on Saturday night, extended the next day.
Despite Christmas having a greater popularity rating due to its glamour, glamour, and joy, the substance of Christianity is found in Easter. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christianity, and it is the focus of Easter. Unlike Christmas, however, the dates of Easter fluctuate every year. This is primarily because Easter invariably arrives on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. Easter is observed with considerable devotion and excitement in India. Feasts in the form of sumptuous breakfasts and lunches are the holiday feature in several states such as Kerala, Maharashtra, the region of North East India and Goa. The temperature and weather fall perfectly for the vacation to these areas during the Easter holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
- What do Indians do during Easter?
Several folk songs, street plays, and folk dances occur at Easter. Alluring Carnivals are a vital part and aspect of this celebration. At the household, delicious Easter sweets are cooked.
- Where is easter celebrated in India?
The festival of easter is celebrated mainly in Northeast India, Maharashtra, Chennai, Goa and Tamil Nadu due to the large Christian population in these areas.
Celebrate Easter with a memorable journey to India’s most popular cities! Book your online bus tickets now and experience the vibrant culture, captivating attractions, and warm hospitality that await you. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore India’s diverse beauty during this festive season. Secure your seats today and embark on an unforgettable Easter adventure!