Devout Christians participate in midnight Easter services with fervor across the nation

Devout Christians across India celebrate Easter, the day of resurrection of Jesus Christ, on Sunday and attended special prayer sessions with religious fervour and gaiety.

In Kerala, faithful held special mass prayers and processions were carried out with pomp and show.

In Thiruvananthapuram and in Kochi, devotees revelled in celebrations and observed special customs and sunrise church services.

"Easter is celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ and this festival is actually the basis of our Christian faith. The risen lord, he has risen from the dead. And every year, on the Easter Sunday, we get up early in the morning to come to church to worship our risen lord," said a devotee, Juan Samson, in Thiruvananthapuram.

In Kochi, Cardinal Mar George Allencherry, Major Archbishop and Head of Syro Malabar Church led the midnight mass at St. Mary's Basilica.

Meanwhile, Easter celebrations were also marked in Goa in grand manner. The priest of the Old Goa Cathedral De Santa Catarina, Alfreda Vaz, said resurrection of lord is celebrated by singing 'Praeconium Paschale'.

"Resurrection therefore it starts with blessing the fire. Fire is important practically in all religions and in Christianity also it is important and therefore the celebration starts in blessing the fire and then we celebrate resurrection of the lord with singing the 'Praeconium Paschale' in which we glorify the candle, the glorious fire that represents the risen Christ that gives light to everyone," Vaz said.

In Mumbai, people thronged churches early in the morning for prayer services as well as to show their devotion to Lord Jesus Christ.

"Easter is an auspicious occasion because Jesus was resurrected after three days. It is a great time for all of us to celebrate his resurrection. Mostly friends and family, family especially more than friends," said another devotee, Joel.

Christian devotees attended Easter prayer services in New Delhi also, enthusiastically.