Easter celebrated peacefully in Kandhamal

Phulbani (Odisha), Apr 20: Easter Sunday was celebrated in Odisha's Kandhamal district peacefully today amid religious solemnity and gaiety.

Like elsewhere in the state, a large number of people congregated for prayers in churches of various denominations across Kandhamal, including Phulbani, Balliguda, Daringbadi, Kotagarh, Tumudibandh and Raikia areas.

The day marked the end of the Holy Week of prayers and penitence recalling the final phase of Christ's life from his arrest and crucifixion, followed by resurrection and fasting prayers, seven statements from Cross, Holy Mass, and get-togethers and feasts were held in different churches.

The week long festival was observed peacefully in Kandhamal as security had been beefed up across the district and patrolling in the Christian dominated areas were intensified.

Armed forces were also deployed in some selected churches and vulnerable places during the period. No report of any untoward incident was received from any place, said G C Mallick, Additional Superintendent of Police.

PTI