Easter celebrated with festive fervour heralding a new start

Nagpur: With love in their hearts and prayers on their lips, Christians across the city celebrated Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ into heaven after his Crucifixtion on Good Friday.
The day marked the end of the 40-day lent period of prayer, penance, fasting and repentance. After attending services in cathedrals and churches, families had lunch with their near and dear ones with special dishes. The Easter egg, which symbolises a new beginning, was given to kids in particular. Some conducted generous activities for the poor and the needy.
"After His Grace, Archbishop Elias Gonsalves, washed my feet and shook hands after Maundy Thursday service at the SFS Parish Cathedral, I put my hands on his head and blessed him, made the sign of the Cross on his forehead and said, may God bless you," shared 87-year-old Oscar Jobard with TOI
It was a special Easter eve for Rev Fr Vivian Lobo, Director of Christian Life Commission and Principal of SFS School of Excellence, Seminary Hills, who celebrated his 10th ordination anniversary as a priest on Saturday. A toast was raised by his many well-wishers, including Arnold, Ankit, Alin, Sr Roja, Sanjana, Fr Vignan Das and Charlotte Francis.
Social worker Nelson Francis, who goes the extra mile with work related to community events, celebrated Easter with his family and friends.
"Bringing someone back to life is definitely a miracle. Even a medical miracle! But it is not Resurrection. What's the difference between them? For all reasons and purposes, those brought back to life later died. None of those who were raised lived on and on and on. Forever, like Jesus Christ," said Hansraj Jain, CEO of Inheritors: Empowering Families, Marriage, and Human Relationships.
"The Easter cantata was really lovely, as such an event is usually not found in Nagpur. The story of Easter was more effective when the team enacted and brought it to life. It drew the audience in and I felt touched by the portrayal. The zeal and passion with which the volunteers and the cast enacted and the emotional weight it carried, seeing the sacrifice of Jesus for me even in this time and age brought tears to my eyes. It was a moment to connect with my creator in our busy lives, serving as a reminder to be in communion with Jesus and to thank him for his special gift of salvation. The word shared by Pastor Prajakt Panhalkar shed light on the reason why Jesus died for us and the power in his resurrection," said Naomi Jonathan, a middle-school teacher.
"I was so glad to see so many followers out attending Good Friday services across the city. May they multiply and become stronger in faith," said Namita Gomes Mahtolia.
"Easter is our call to be radiant witnesses of the Resurrection – to live transformed lives and help bring light to others. Let us carry this flame into our families, communities, and hearts – not just today, but every day. May the Risen Lord fill us with His peace, joy, and courage to live as children of the Light," said Joseph Andrew Dsouza, parishioner of Queen of the Apostle's Church, Pallotti Nagar.
Nagpur: With love in their hearts and prayers on their lips, Christians across the city celebrated Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ into heaven after his Crucifixtion on Good Friday.
The day marked the end of the 40-day lent period of prayer, penance, fasting and repentance. After attending services in cathedrals and churches, families had lunch with their near and dear ones with special dishes. The Easter egg, which symbolises a new beginning, was given to kids in particular. Some conducted generous activities for the poor and the needy.
"After His Grace, Archbishop Elias Gonsalves, washed my feet and shook hands after Maundy Thursday service at the SFS Parish Cathedral, I put my hands on his head and blessed him, made the sign of the Cross on his forehead and said, may God bless you," shared 87-year-old Oscar Jobard with TOI
It was a special Easter eve for Rev Fr Vivian Lobo, Director of Christian Life Commission and Principal of SFS School of Excellence, Seminary Hills, who celebrated his 10th ordination anniversary as a priest on Saturday. A toast was raised by his many well-wishers, including Arnold, Ankit, Alin, Sr Roja, Sanjana, Fr Vignan Das and Charlotte Francis.
Social worker Nelson Francis, who goes the extra mile with work related to community events, celebrated Easter with his family and friends.
"Bringing someone back to life is definitely a miracle. Even a medical miracle! But it is not Resurrection. What's the difference between them? For all reasons and purposes, those brought back to life later died. None of those who were raised lived on and on and on. Forever, like Jesus Christ," said Hansraj Jain, CEO of Inheritors: Empowering Families, Marriage, and Human Relationships.
"The Easter cantata was really lovely, as such an event is usually not found in Nagpur. The story of Easter was more effective when the team enacted and brought it to life. It drew the audience in and I felt touched by the portrayal. The zeal and passion with which the volunteers and the cast enacted and the emotional weight it carried, seeing the sacrifice of Jesus for me even in this time and age brought tears to my eyes. It was a moment to connect with my creator in our busy lives, serving as a reminder to be in communion with Jesus and to thank him for his special gift of salvation. The word shared by Pastor Prajakt Panhalkar shed light on the reason why Jesus died for us and the power in his resurrection," said Naomi Jonathan, a middle-school teacher.
"I was so glad to see so many followers out attending Good Friday services across the city. May they multiply and become stronger in faith," said Namita Gomes Mahtolia.
"Easter is our call to be radiant witnesses of the Resurrection – to live transformed lives and help bring light to others. Let us carry this flame into our families, communities, and hearts – not just today, but every day. May the Risen Lord fill us with His peace, joy, and courage to live as children of the Light," said Joseph Andrew Dsouza, parishioner of Queen of the Apostle's Church, Pallotti Nagar.