Christians celebrate Easter in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, April 20: Christians in

today celebrated Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion.

Thousands congregated for prayers in churches of various denominations across the state, where senior prelates and priests gave out the message of hope and revival as symbolised by the occasion.

The day also 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.

In Thiruvanathapuram, Archbishop M Soosai Packiam presided over the mass at St Joseph's cathedral of Latin Catholic rite.

Breaking the 40-day season of Lent when believers shun worldly pleasures, sumptuous traditional feasts were arranged in most Christian homes.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and leaders of various political parties also greeted Keralites on the occasion.

Christians constitute about 23 per cent of Kerala's population.

PTI