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 Introduction to Easter
In India, all religious festivals call for a celebration. Since people belonging to so many religions co exist in harmony, individuals belonging to one religion partake of the festive joy of not just one's own but also of the other's festival. The scenario is not quite different in the state of Rajasthan. Here too the Hindu Rajputs along with the few Christians residing in the state celebrate Easter with a lot of spirit and enthusiasm.
History of Easter
Jesus was crucified on Good Friday. After his death, he was buried near Mount Cavalry. Much to everybody's astonishment his tomb was found empty on Sunday. His body could not be found even though there had been strict vigilance over his body. Not only were guards present, the entrance was also sealed by guarding the entrance with blocks of stone. However in spite of all this his body had vanished. Jesus then appeared in front of all, his friends as well as his relatives for them to see him and touch his body. Time and again, everyone saw him and was forced to accept his divinity. Easter commemorates this resurrection of Jesus Christ, an incident which compelled everyone to accept him as the Son of God.
Description of Easter
As in the whole of the Christian world, in Rajasthan too Easter is celebrated with a whole lot of pleasure and fervor. There aren't too many Churches in Rajasthan but the few Churches that are there are beautifully decorated with flowers. Not only do Christians but people belonging to other religious communities also drop in to pay a visit and pay homage. The ambience in and around the Church premises is very pleasant. Prayers are told, in the evening people party and celebrate.
The Christians of Rajasthan are in a very joyous mood. They meet each other and exchange greetings. Fun games are arranged by the Christian communities of Rajasthan much to the delight of all especially children. Chocolate covered Easter eggs as well ordinary eggs are kept in the same place and a game ensues in which one is expected to find the chocolate crusted ones which represent beginning of life. Whoever can is declared the winner.
Some of the other symbols associated with Easter celebrations which incidentally is the oldest of all Christian festivals are rabbits, lilies, new clothes and sunrise service. The bunny rabbits are symbols of fertility, they as well the chicks represent the rebirth of earth. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is signified by the White Lily, also referred to as the Easter lily.
Although it is customary to have a midnight mass at Easter, a general trend noticed now-a-days is its performance in the morning itself for the sake of convenience particularly in Rajasthan where the Christian community is not very sizeable.
Time for celebrating Easter
Easter always falls on a Sunday. It is the third day after Good Friday. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Vernal Equinox and generally falls between end of March and beginning of April. The day varies each year.
Indian Holiday provides online information on the Easter in Rajasthan and other Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan. It also offers online booking for a Tour to Rajasthan. To satisfy your queries or to make a booking, fill up the form given below
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