RAWALPINDI: After 40 days of fasting, Easter was celebrated on Sunday in churches throughout the garrison city.

Several churches organised midnight services on Saturday night where prayers were offered. The midnight services were followed by morning services at the churches of various denominations in the garrison city.

Large congregations were seen in these churches on Sunday where religious prayers in the context of resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion were offered. People prayed for peace, love and brotherhood in the world.

In their sermons, clerics stressed on the need for religious tolerance and brotherhood saying: “All of us must use our efforts and play a positive role for the development of the country and spread love and peace.”

Distribution of Easter eggs is the main attraction of the festival for children. Anthony Masih said that the main feature of Easter is Easter eggs which symbolise life. He said that Christians give the gift of Easter eggs to their children, adding that these eggs were prepared from chocolate and easily available at main stores in the city so there was no need to prepare them at home.

Zahoor Bhatti said: “For Christians, Christmas is the main event of the year when they celebrate the birthday of Jesus and on Easter, they celebrate the day of his resurrection while offering their prayers and enjoy the day with their families.”

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi police made special arrangements for security in and around churches. Political leaders visited localities of Christian citizens and expressed solidarity to convince them to vote for them in general elections.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2023