March 23, 2008 Prayers, Painted Eggs
and Feasts
Mark Easter Sunday
New Delhi
Christians in the Indian capital attended mass at churches on Easter
Sunday followed by sumptuous meals. But eggs of various sizes and
forms were the highlight of elaborately decorated tables at homes.
A joyous occasion, Easter marks the end of the period of Lent or
suffering and comes after Good Friday, when Jesus Christ was
believed to have been crucified. Easter celebrates the resurrection
of Christ.
"After fasting and mourning on Good Friday, Easter calls for a grand
celebration. This day is therefore looked forward to by all,
especially children who dress up in all their finery and have a fun
filled day," Ashley Jonathan of Nagaland who lives here told IANS.
Easter celebrations began at 3 a.m. as Christ is said to have been
resurrected at the break of dawn. After the mass, daylong
celebrations and feasting follow.
"Duck roasts and at times turkey roasts as well, meat pies, apple
soufflé, plum cakes, pastries and of course, endless wine - Easter
meals are absolutely royal and are eagerly looked forward to by my
hostel friends who pine for some good food!" said Esther Jamir, a
student of Delhi University.
Said Ashwini Sharma, a Hindu friend of Jamir: "No matter what
happens, even if we have an exam the next day, we make it a point to
go to Esther's place for the Easter lunch. It's just too
irresistible!"
A popular ritual on Easter is the distribution of colourfully
painted Easter eggs. Hardboiled and salted, the egg symbolises new
life.
"Kids love the egg ritual because they are meant to find these
colourful eggs, supposedly hidden by the Easter Bunny," said Annie
Matthew, a resident of east Delhi.
"These days, confectionary items like hollow chocolates in the shape
of an egg and plastic eggs filled with jellybeans are becoming
popular in the market as well," she added.
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