Piety marks Easter celebrations

Worshippers packed churches to offer prayers as Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion on Good Friday, was celebrated with traditional gaiety across the country today.

Christians congregated for the midnight Easter mass in churches where priests delivered messages of hope as symbolised by the sacrifice of Christ for the redemption of God's creations.

After the mass, the faithful broke fast with cakes and Easter eggs as piety marked the celebrations of one of the oldest and holiest of all Christian festivals.

Sweets were served in many households which reverberated with prayers recalling the final days of Jesus Christ from his entry into Jerusalem to crucifixion.

In Christian-dominated Mizoram, the Salvation Army band parties heralded the day by playing 'He (Jesus Christ) has arisen' at many places, including state capital Aizwal.

Easter also marked the end of the season of Lent, when the devout abstain from material comforts to gain spiritual strength.