Easter 2025 – Everything You Need to Know About the Festival
Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is one of the most joyous Christian festivals celebrated worldwide. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolising hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death. Unlike fixed-date festivals, Easter follows the lunar calendar, occurring on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the March equinox, usually between 22 March and 25 April. This sacred time coincides with spring, a season of new life, adding to the festive spirit. People across the world celebrate Easter with deep devotion, attending church services, singing hymns, and reflecting on spiritual teachings. Alongside its religious significance, Easter is also about fun traditions like decorating eggs, making Easter baskets, and indulging in delicious treats like chocolates and hot cross buns.
In India, Easter is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Goa, Mumbai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam, where vibrant church gatherings, prayers, and community feasts bring people together. Goa, in particular, transforms into a hub of festivities, with grand celebrations at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, lively street parades, and feasts filled with traditional delights. Families and friends exchange beautifully decorated Easter eggs, flowers, cakes, and chocolates as a symbol of good fortune. The long Good Friday-Easter weekend also gives many an opportunity to travel and make unforgettable memories. Whether you're drawn to its spiritual essence or its lively traditions, Easter is a festival that embraces faith, joy, and togetherness.
History And Significance Of Easter
The New Testament of the holy book Bible narrates the history of Easter. It depicts how Lord Jesus was crucified by the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. Historically, it is believed that Christ had consciously chosen an end like this, as by doing so, he paid for the sins of his followers and devotees. Three days after he was put to death, he had again resurrected from his grave signifying that as the Son of God he had transcended everything, even death. It is this day that marks the occasion of Easter and is also celebrated as the Jewish Festival of Passover.
The entire week before the Easter festival is considered the Holy Week where the day of Maundy Thursday, last supper, as well as Good Friday, are honored in Jesus Christ’s death.
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Date, Time & Venue of Easter
Easter is a movable feast, meaning its date changes each year. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the Spring equinox, which places Easter between 22nd March and 25th April. In 2025, Easter falls on Sunday, 20th April.
Easter celebrations begin early in the morning with a special Easter Mass. People dress in their Sunday best, sing hymns, listen to sermons, and exchange greetings. This festival is observed with great joy and devotion across the world. In India, Goa stands out for its grand Easter celebrations, where both locals and visitors take part in vibrant church services, processions, and festive gatherings.
Major Attractions Of Easter Festival in India
In India, the festival of Easter is celebrated with great zeal. The celebrations of Easter start with Lent (Wednesday) and then end with Easter on Sunday. On this auspicious occasion, all the Christians go to the church for offering their prayers. At the Church, the father narrates how Jesus had suffered for his followers and for all of humanity. The sermon at the church is followed by people gifting each other decorated eggs, flowers, colorful lanterns, cakes, and chocolates as a token of good health and prosperity.
Official Holiday
Many states in India observe Good Friday which is before Easter as a gazetted holiday. Thus, taking the long weekend as an opportunity, people generally go on vacations along with their loved ones and make some unforgettable memories for themselves.
In India, the festival of Easter is celebrated with great gusto in places like Goa, Mumbai, and Kochi. This might be so because, in all of these Indian travel destinations, you will come across a considerable number of the Christian population.
1. Easter Celebrations in Goa
Goa witnesses a grand Easter celebration at the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
2. Easter Celebrations in Mumbai
In Mumbai, mass gatherings take place where people offer their prayers to Lord Jesus. Many also visit the famous cafes and restaurants to explore the culinary delights that this festive occasion brings with itself.
3. Easter Celebrations in Kochi
At Kochi, the devotees celebrate Easter with great excitement in their hearts. Here as well, mass prayer gatherings are observed at local churches. Some of the popular local churches like Malayattoor Church and St. Alphonsa’s Church enjoy special Easter Sunday Meals.
4. Easter Celebrations at Visakhapatnam
In Visakhapatnam, Christian devotees can be seen holding candles and singing hymns in honor of Lord Jesus. Many Christians also go to the cemetery in the mornings to light candles and offer flowers to the graves of their loved ones.
How To Reach Goa to Participate in Easter Celebrations
Goa is truly a terrific place to travel. Due to a considerable amount of Christian population, the festival of Easter is celebrated with great fervor here. Goa is also famous as the Party Capital of India and occupies a prominent position on the World Tourism Map. The Destination is easily accessible through diverse modes of transport. Here is how you can reach Goa via the following routes.
- Nearest Major City. Bangalore
- Nearest Airport. Goa or Dabolim Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Madgaon and Vasco Da Gama Railway Station
- Distance from Bangalore. 582 km
By Air. The best option to reach Goa via air is the Dabolim Airport. It is the primary airport of Goa and its operations are managed by the Airport Authority of India. It also acts like a Civil Enclave within a military base, INS Hansa. The airport has good flight connectivity with other Indian cities. After you deboard at the airport, you can easily take a cab to reach your respective destination.
- Distance from Dabolim Airport. 43.6 km
By Train. Two of the major Indian railway stations in Goa are Madgaon and Vasco da Gama. Both of them are very well connected with other Indian states and cities. After you deboard at the station, you can cover the remaining distance by some means of public transport like a cab.
- Distance from Madgaon Railway Station. 28.5 km
- Distance from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station. 46.8 km
By Road. Depending upon your geographical location, you can also plan a trip to Goa via its well-maintained road networks. For traveling, you can either take your own vehicle or even consider traveling via a cab or interstate bus.
- Distance From Belgaum. 80 km
- Distance From Hubli. 137 km
- Distance From Kolhapur. 144 km
- Distance From Bijapur. 247 km
- Distance From Shimoga. 248 km
- Distance From Mangalore. 301 km
- Distance From Solapur. 326 km
- Distance From Delhi. 1875 km
- Distance From Mumbai. 580 km
- Distance From Kolkata. 2200 km
- Distance From Bangalore. 582 km
Popular Things to Do in Goa During Easter
Apart from Easter celebrations, Goa offers plenty of attractions to explore:
- Attend Grand Easter Masses – Experience the soulful prayers and hymns at famous churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
- Indulge in Easter Feasts – Relish Goan Easter specialities like Sannas, Bebinca, Fofos, and Vindaloo at local restaurants and bakeries.
- Enjoy Goa’s Beautiful Beaches – After Easter festivities, unwind at Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem beaches or try water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
- Explore Local Festivals & Markets – Visit the Easter Carnival and flea markets for handmade crafts, traditional sweets, and souvenirs.
- Experience Goa’s Nightlife – Enjoy the happening nightlife, beach parties, and live music events that Goa is famous for.
Conclusion
Easter is a time of joy, reflection, and community. It's a period when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, embracing the promise of new life and hope. With its blend of religious significance and festive traditions, Easter holds a cherished place in the Christian calendar. Whether attending church services, engaging in traditional activities, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, Easter is a time to celebrate rebirth and renewal.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Festival
Q. What is Easter and why is it celebrated?
A. Easter i a Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, symbolizing hope and renewal.
Q.What is the Easter story about?
A. It recounts Jesus Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on the third day, as told in the Bible.
Q. How is Easter celebrated in India?
A. Indian Christians attend church services, hold feasts, exchange Easter eggs, and participate in processions, especially in states like Goa, Kerala, and Mumbai.
Q. Is Easter a special holiday?
A. Easter is a significant religious holiday but not a nationwide public holiday in India.
Q. Why is it called Good Friday?
A. Good Friday marks Jesus Christ’s crucifixion; "Good" refers to its significance in Christian faith, as his sacrifice led to salvation.
Q. Is Easter a good time to visit Goa?
A. Easter in Goa is a beautiful mix of spirituality, culture, and beachside fun. The weather is pleasant, churches hold grand celebrations, and festive meals add to the experience. However, it’s a popular time, so booking accommodation in advance with Adotrip – your trusted travel partner is highly recommended.
Q. Will there be any special Easter events or processions in Goa?
A. Churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral hold midnight masses, Easter vigils, and festive feasts. You can also experience local cultural parades, live music events, and special Easter brunches at top hotels and beachside cafes.
Q. How crowded is Goa during Easter?
A. While Goa sees an influx of both domestic and international tourists, it’s not as packed as during New Year’s. Churches, beaches, and party hubs may be busy, so it’s best to plan ahead and make reservations where necessary.
Q. Are restaurants and shops open during Easter weekend?
A. Yes, most restaurants, beach shacks, and hotels serve special Easter feasts, including roast lamb, hot cross buns, and Goan sweets. Some local shops may close on Good Friday, but tourist-friendly areas remain active.
Q. What’s the best way to travel around Goa during Easter?
A. Public transport is available but may run on a reduced schedule. Renting a scooter or hiring a private taxi is a convenient way to explore. For a hassle-free experience, you can book transport and sightseeing tours with Adotrip – a travel partner that makes your journey seamless.
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