Easter is celebrated today with religious fervor by Christians all over the world. Easter also known as Pasch, Resurrection Sunday or Easter Sunday. This festival is celebrated by all Christians as it signifies Christ’s resurrection after crucifixion and death at Calvary on Good Friday.

The week before Easter is known as the Holy Week and Easter is the end of lent and the last day of Easter Triduum – which includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Easter is being celebrated in different parts of India. In Tamil Nadu Easter is being celebrated with special mass in churches in Velankanni, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil and Thoothukudi.

Special prayers and holy masses were held from midnight at the world famous Velankanni Our lady of Health Basilica. Thousands of pilgrims from Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Maharashtra apart from Tamil Nadu attended the special morning mass. The shroud was removed from the Holy Cross and special prayers were held with Christians holding paschel candles. Easter also signifies the culmination of 40 day lent period of fasting for Christians.

The President and Vice President have greeted the people on the occasion of Easter which marks the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. In a message, President Pranab Mukherjee said the teachings of Jesus Christ inspire people to lead a life filled with truth, forgiveness, love and selfless service. He asked people to remain united to eradicate violence and hatred from society.

Vice President Hamid Ansari said, Easter reminds that love is stronger than hatred. He urged people to celebrate this solemn occasion with compassion towards all human being irrespective of caste, creet or religion.

Pope Francis of Vatican will celebrate the joyful Easter Mass in a flower-filled St. Peter’s Square today. Thousands of people are expected to brave street closures, metal detectors and other security measures to reach the square for the Mass.