RAWALPINDI: The Christian community in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad celebrated Easter amid strict security on Sunday after 40 days of fasting known as ‘Lent’.

Before Easter Sunday, the Christian community observed ‘Good Friday’ followed by midnight services organised in various churches of various denominations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday night.

Likewise, churches also witnessed major congregations on Sunday where sermons were given about the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday following his crucifixion.

The non-Muslim community prayed for peace, love and brotherhood in the world. During the sermons, the priests stressed the need for religious tolerance and fraternity.

Bishop Joseph Arshad prayed for peace in Palestine and denounced Israel’s violence in Gaza. He said the Christian community was playing its part in the development of the country.

Easter Sunday was particularly thrilling for children because it brings them gifts, especially Easter eggs. “We love the festival as it brings gifts for the children,” children present at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral told Dawn.

Some children said that their parents gave them gifts on Christmas but on Easter, “we get some extra money to spend on swings and candy”.

Arman Bhatti, a worshipper, explained that there was a difference between Christmas and Easter. “For Christians, Christmas is the primary event to celebrate the birthday of Lord Jesus and on Easter, they celebrate the day while offering their prayers and enjoying the day with their families.

Shaukat Masih described ‘Lent’ as a 40-day fasting period during which Christians “refrained from physical comforts to gain spiritual strength”.

He said that Easter marked the resurrection of Christ. “It’s a very joyous occasion. We eat food together and make merry,” he said.

Some youngsters said that the main feature of the holiday was ‘Easter eggs’ which symbolise life. He said that children get ‘Easter eggs’ on the occasion.

According to them, the eggs were made of chocolate and available at bakeries in the city so there was no need to especially prepare them at home.

Inflation, however, has affected this holiday as well, with several worshippers complaining about the increase in the prices of these eggs. An egg could cost up to Rs2,000, forcing people to get other sweetmeats instead.

The police, however, made special arrangements in and around the churches. They installed walkthrough gates at the main entrances and used metal detectors to check the visitors. “These arrangements intended to avoid any untoward situation during the festival,” said a police official deputed outside a church for protection.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2024