Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, arrives in spring each year and makes for a colourful holiday. Many Christians worldwide celebrate Easter with special church services, music, candlelight, flowers and the ringing of church bells. Many Christians view Easter as the greatest feast of the Church year.

It is a day of joy and celebration to commemorate that Jesus Christ has risen, according to Christian belief.

However, this year the memory of the suicide attacks on churches in Lahore’s Youhanabad area was fresh in many minds, dampening celebratory spirits. But the pews in the churches of the twin cities were filled during Good Friday services.

Amir Ijaz Gull, 40, reads from the scriptures at a service at the First United Presbyterian Church in Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar. Mr Gull has been involved with different activities such as the local Christian youth group and the church choir. He also teaches at a Sunday School.

Anwar (left), 20, and Rafi, 19, arrange specially made Easter Eggs on display at their bakery in Rawalpindi.

John Pervaiz, 52, stands guard outside the Christ Church in Rawalpindi. He has been protecting the congregation on the church for over 11 years and says he has no fear. “I am here to protect others and I am willing to lay down my life if necessary,” he says.

Sheraz, 20, decorates Easter cakes at a bakery in Saddar, Rawalpindi. A confectioner with four years of experience, he says that baking brings him joy. “Making things that people will consume in their times of happiness is its own reward.”Hot cross buns are different from normal buns and are baked specially for Easter with dry fruit, orange peel and raisins. Easter cakes are made with hard icing, while the cross on top of the buns is made from cheese.

Mohammed Ayyaz, 43, arranges cakes and hot cross buns at his bakery. The bakery was opened by his father nearly 27 years ago and he carries on his family’s work even today. The bakery specialises in confectionary products for religious festivals, such as Eid, Christmas or Easter. — Photos by the writer

Aware of the risk, brave volunteers stood guarding churches during service. And it was a busy weekend for many who attended service on Friday and then made preparations for Easter on Sunday. Families thronged the markets for last minute shopping and in many parts of Saddar, Lal Kurti, Chaklala, Chah Sultan, Patthe Naik Alam, residents were seen decorating houses. The smell of rising dough filled many homes as special cakes, a signature Easter treat, were baked ahead of the day.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2015

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