Easter
Have you ever wondered about the excitement surrounding Easter? Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is a significant celebration for Christians worldwide. It marks the day Jesus Christ is believed to have risen from the dead, a symbol of victory over death. Unlike many festivals that have a fixed date, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the March equinox, usually in March or April. This period coincides with the arrival of spring, when nature is in full bloom, adding to the festive spirit.
Easter traditions include going to church, confessing sins, and reflecting on passages from the Bible. Families also enjoy fun activities like making Easter baskets, dyeing eggs in vibrant colors, and sharing Easter candies. These customs not only add to the joy of the season but also bring people together, fostering a sense of community and renewal.Read on to learn more about this joyful celebration.
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.
Also Read - Happy Easter Wishes
Date, Time & Venue of Easter
Easter’s date change from year to year. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon occurs just after the Spring equinox. Based on moon cycles, this holiday may fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Easter 2024 is going to be celebrated on the 9th of April. Easter celebrations begin early mornings with a special Easter Mass. People arrive at the Church wearing their Sunday best and sing hymns, listen to the sermons, and meet and greet each other. The festival is celebrated all over the world with great fervor and excitement. Goa witnesses mass-scale celebrations, with active participation by locals and visitors.
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.
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
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
Q1. Why is Easter Celebrated?
A1. It is one of the most prominent festivals according to the Christian calendar. According to popular Christian belief, the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes that death is not the final end.
Q2. When is Easter celebrated?
A2. Easter festival doesn’t usually fall on the same date every year. People celebrate it on the first Sunday, after the first full moon, which is generally around March.
Q3. What is the significance of Easter?
A3. Easter Sunday is considered a happy day as, according to popular Christian belief, the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes that death is not the final end. On Easter day, Christians go to the church and confess their wrongdoings after which there are recitations of the holy bible.
Q4 Why do people dye Easter eggs?
A4. Dyeing Easter eggs is a fun tradition symbolising new life and the resurrection of Jesus, reflecting the joy of the Easter season.
Q5. What activities are common on Easter?
A5. Common Easter activities include attending church services, making Easter baskets, dyeing eggs, and sharing Easter candies with loved ones.
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