ISLAMABAD, Sunday, April 20, 2025 (WNP): After 40 days of fasting and spiritual reflection, the Christian community celebrated Easter — the second most significant festival in the Christian calendar — with religious zeal and joy across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Sunday.
Churches in the twin cities were adorned with vibrant lights and floral decorations. Hymns and carols echoed through the air as congregations reenacted the story of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, central to the Easter celebration.
The traditional sunrise procession, a hallmark of Easter Sunday, was this year confined to church premises. At St Paul’s Church on The Mall, where the procession typically begins from the General Post Office, ongoing construction on The Mall Road led organisers to restrict the event within the church grounds.
Throughout the day, a festive atmosphere prevailed around churches as Christian families gathered to mark the occasion, which is observed each year in March or April according to the lunar calendar. Cathedrals and churches held midnight services between Saturday and Sunday, followed by special morning prayers.
During the main Easter congregations, Christian leaders called for greater religious tolerance, fraternity, and unity, urging followers to embody Jesus Christ’s message of universal love and compassion without discrimination.
“Easter is a family day where Christians celebrate with their loved ones. Special meat-based feasts are prepared, marking the end of the 40-day fasting period,” said Arman Gill, a visitor at St Joseph’s Cathedral.
He added that Easter eggs — traditionally made of chocolate — were prepared at home or purchased from bakeries and shared with family and friends as gifts. “The egg symbolises fertility and new life, celebrating Christ’s resurrection after crucifixion,” he explained.
Highlighting the distinction between the two major Christian festivals, Tauqeer Bhatti noted, “Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and is a major joyous event. Easter, however, is a more solemn occasion centered on prayers, reflection, and family gatherings.”
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi administration, in coordination with police, implemented special security measures to ensure the safety of worshippers at all major churches.
Leaders of various political parties also visited Christian neighborhoods to express solidarity with the community and seek support in the run-up to the general elections.
