TURA, March 28: Christians across Meghalaya celebrated Palm Sunday to remember the last visit of Lord Jesus Christ to Jerusalem before his crucifixion on the cross.
In Garo Hills, waving palm leaves and singing hymns, many marched to church to offer prayers and recall the religious events that unfolded hundreds of years ago in what is now modern day Israel.
For Catholics, in particular, the celebration of Palm Sunday assumes immense significance as it ushers in the most Holy Week in the Christian calendar. It is also the last week in the Lent Season, a 40-day religious period during which devotees abstain from all worldly pleasures and undertake fasting and praying.
Led by the Bishop of Tura, Rev. Andrew R Marak, the historical significance of Palm Sunday was narrated to Catholics across the Garo Hills region.
This is the first Palm Sunday celebration taking place since 2019 after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020 halted all public gatherings, including Good Friday observance and Easter celebrations, to halt the spread of the coronavirus infections among crowds all over the world, including India.
Many who attended Palm Sunday service, after a gap of almost two years, were jubilant to be able to offer prayers in church and join the religious events commemorating the Holy Week.
In Tura, West Garo Hills, the largest Catholic church — Sacred Heart Shrine was packed to the maximum with devotees who came from far and near to partake in Palm Sunday holy mass.
