New Delhi (Sputnik): Christians comprise 2.3 percent of the population of India, which is home to multiple religions and ethnicities. But the coronavirus pandemic has dampened the spirit of the long-awaited Easter holiday as the country is under lockdown and social gatherings are prohibited.
While some Indian Christians are upset about not being able to celebrate Easter with friends and relatives – most of them attended sermons online, and others are thankful that at least they are alive to celebrate despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faith, a college student, says that celebrating a major Christian festival within her house feels quite unorthodox.
As churches remain partially closed and mass gatherings are prohibited, members of the Christian community watched live streaming of Easter prayers in churches on apps such as Zoom and social media website Facebook. Later on, feasts were prepared at home to celebrate the day.
Juliya, who is preparing for her Ph.D, has revealed that she attended the sermon online and missed the holy communion this Easter.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to extend his best wishes to the people of the country. Other prominent politicians such as opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also sent their warm greetings to the people on this auspicious occasion.
In India, the vast majority of the Christian population (88%) reside in the north-eastern state of Nagaland, and Easter is a joyous occasion in the state. However, churches in the region are currently closed.
Tisha Mariam Thomas, wife of a priest, has urged people to “lockdown themselves” with Christ this Easter, saying that the world would soon return to normal.
Easter is known as the greatest feast for Christians to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ and people traditionally exchange decorated eggs. Special church services are organised along with musical engagements.
India is under a 21-day lockdown announced by Modi on 24 March. The shutdown is likely to be extended as the virus situation is worsening – there are 7,409 active cases and 273 people have lost their lives to the disease.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
