ICC Note: Throughout India, Good Friday was celebrated in churches to honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ through prayer services and fasting. In light of recent attacks against Christians, there was greater police deployment granted to churches to prevent more incidents of violence.
04/03/2015 India (Greater Kashmir) – Good Friday was today observed across the country with special prayers in churches and the Christians observing fasts as a way of renunciation of earthly comfort to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Hundreds of Christians took out processions at various places carrying wooden crosses and rosaries to symbolise the final hours of Christ from his condemnation to the laying of his body in the tomb after the crucifixion on the Mount Calvary over 2000 years ago.
It was a holiday for government offices and educational institutes. Many devotees in the national capital attended special masses held in churches amid tight security. Heavy police deployment was seen near churches in the wake of recent attacks on Christian establishments in New Delhi.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also wished for “mercy, peace and love” on this occasion. “Mercy, Peace and Love! May the grace of Lord surround you and be with you on Good Friday!” Kejriwal tweeted.
In Kerala, the Christian community observed Good Friday by congregating in large numbers in churches of various denominations across the state where senior prelates led special prayers to mark the day.
In most places, processions were taken out with devotees bearing wooden crosses depicting the final hours of Jesus.
Hundreds of pilgrims carrying heavy wooden crosses trekked to St Thomas church atop the hillock at Malayattoor in Ernakulam district, which is believed to have been sanctified by the visit of apostle St Thomas, who preached the message of Jesus Christ in India.
