SHILLONG, April 9: Easter or Resurrection Sunday was celebrated with much pomp and enthusiasm across the state, especially in Shillong, which witnessed a large number of people taking part in prayer services.
Thousands of faithful attended special church services in the city to celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
Similar celebrations were also held in different parts of the state as many were seen exchanging greetings in keeping up with the spirit of the occasion.
The Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church, Church of God and the Baptist Church, besides other Christian denominations, organised special programmes such as sunrise services, Easter Sunday sermons and choirs to mark the day.
Easter, which is celebrated by Christians all over the world as the day of Christ’s resurrection, follows Good Friday or the day Christ was crucified.
The day marks the culmination of the 40 days of Lent which is a period of fasting, prayer, and penance to commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.
Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese, Rev. Victor Lyngdoh presided over the Easter mass at the Grotto Chapel at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians.
Pascal commemoration in many parishes was marked with candlelight processions and baptism of newborn children.
Leaders of various political parties greeted the Christians on the occasion of Easter. Governor Phagu Chauhan, who greeted the people of the state, expressed hope that this day brings immense joy, peace, and prosperity to all. “May this Easter bring renewal and revival in our lives, and guide us towards the path of righteousness,” Chauhan said.
“On this blessed occasion of Easter, let us be thankful for all the blessings and rejoice that we are given a chance to experience all the abundance that life can give us. May it usher in a new beginning of greater prosperity, success and happiness. I wish everyone a Happy Easter and may the Lord bless all our homes with love and unwavering faith,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said in a tweet.
Assembly Speaker, Thomas A. Sangma said, “Easter is a festival of hope celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and it inspires millions of people over the world to imbibe the spirit sacrifice and forgiveness.”
