Fervour, enthusiasm mark Easter Sunday celebrations

SHILLONG, April 20: Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday, was celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across Meghalaya, particularly in Shillong, where thousands of faithful participated in special prayer services to mark the resurrection of Lord Christ.
In the capital city, churches were filled with worshippers attending early morning and day-long services. Similar celebrations were held across the state, with people exchanging greetings and embracing the spirit of renewal that Easter symbolizes.
Major Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church, Church of God, and Baptist Church, organised special events such as sunrise services, Easter sermons, and choir performances to commemorate the occasion.
Easter, which follows Good Friday—the day believed to mark Christ’s crucifixion—is considered the most significant event in the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It also marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance that mirrors Jesus’ time in the desert.
The Easter Vigil Mass in the Church of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Shillong was led by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh, the Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese. He offered Holy Mass in the Grotto Chapel on Sunday evening. All the Parishes observed the Easter Vigil with candlelight processions and renewal of Baptism promises, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the day.
On this occasion, state leaders extended greetings to the Christian community.
Governor CH Vijayashankar conveyed his wishes, stating, “On this joyous occasion of Easter, I extend my warmest blessings to each and every one of you. As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the boundless hope, love, and renewal that Easter brings into our lives.”
He further expressed hope that the season would inspire compassion, kindness, and unity across communities.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, in a post on X, wrote, “May the miracle of Easter, through Jesus’ resurrection from death, renew our hope and strengthen our faith. May this blessed occasion usher in a new beginning of greater prosperity, success, and happiness in our lives. Wishing everyone a blessed Easter!”
Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma also extended his greetings, saying, “On the joyous occasion of Easter Sunday, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Meghalaya, particularly the Christian community. May the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ bring hope, peace,  and happiness to your lives.” He urged everyone to embrace the values of love, forgiveness, and renewal that Easter embodies.
Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh took to X to share her message: “On this blessed occasion of Easter, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to everyone. May this day of renewal inspire us all with the promise of hope, peace, and new beginnings. As we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, let us reflect on our shared journey and the enduring resilience that unites us as a state.”