KARACHI: The Christian community observed Good Friday with religious rituals in the metropolis.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is a solemn occasion. You don’t hear church bells, there is no lighting of candles at the altar. The theme for the day is also red, symbolic for martyrs. In comparison, Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing because it celebrates the resurrection of Christ.

Good Friday’s service comprises Bible readings, the veneration or unveiling of the cross and the communion where Christians have a small piece of bread and water in memory of the last supper. The services at several churches are also language-specific. For instance, there are Urdu and English services at most of the churches of the city. At some, there is also an additional Punjabi service along with a choir also singing hymns in all three languages.

Many churches also have students act out the crucifixion of Christ. The young actors go around the church while stopping at 14 different stations where the actor playing Christ is beaten and pushed ahead to the cross. Simultaneously, there are scripture readings explaining the final moments of Christ’s life and their relevance in today’s world.

Bakeries prepare hot cross buns in huge quantities to fulfil demands

The month of Lent and Good Friday is a time to meditate and reflect on one’s actions. Fasting is also mandatory for those between the ages of 16 and 60 years on Good Friday.

But after that there is also a custom among them to enjoy a snack, more specifically hot cross buns. These are sweet buns with cinnamon, raisins and a marzipan cross on top that is sprinkled with sugar. Bakeries bake them in huge quantities to fulfil demands.

Most of these bakeries are located in Clifton and Saddar as a huge part of the Christian community resides there or they are located near the big churches. For instance, there are the United Bakery, Crispo Bakery and the most popular J.C. Misquita, which are located near the St Patrick’s Cathedral. There is also a Crispo Bakery branch in Clifton near the St Anthony’s Church.

All these bakeries are quite well-known for their hot cross buns and all their buns taste different as they have their own secret hot cross bun recipes. Their customers, as indicated earlier, aren’t necessarily Christians as Muslims enjoy hot cross buns, too, and they wait for them all year. At bakeries on Good Friday they are also waiting in long queues with their Christian friends as the odour of freshly baked buns coming out from the kitchens tantalise the taste buds making the wait harder and harder.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2023