Introduction

Easter is an important festival of Christian all over the world. The occasion celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his crucifixion. The crucifixion of Christ is one of the most important events in the context of Christian Theology. The event represents doctrine of salvation depicting the suffering and death of the Messiah as necessary for the forgiveness of sins. Easter usually falls between 22nd March and 25th April, two days after Good Friday and three day after Maundy Thursday. Easter also refer to the start of season of the church year called Eastertide or the Easter Season.

Origin of Easter

The resurrection of Jesus Christ happened at the time of Passover which is called Pesachin Hebrew; the Jewish feast. The term Easter was first introduced when the Saxons started Christianity. Before this the Saxons used to hold an annual feast in the honor of the ancient Teutonic goddess of spring, Eostre. The name was then given to the occasion of Christian observance of Christ's resurrection.

Celebration

In the celebration of Easter the devotees gather in the Church to listen to mass and participate in the Way of the Cross. In the afternoon the priests narrate the life and the sufferings that Jesus took upon himself for the redemption of humanity. The crucifix is uncovered before the crowd for veneration. In Panaji, the capital of Goa draws the largest crowd, a large wooden cross-carried by an image of Jesus is taken from the church, down the steps, and through the streets of the town. It is carried by the clergymen while the crowd follows in two parallel lines in front of and in back of the statue, some weeping and all with very solemn faces. Easter eggs made of marzipan are sold in confectionery stores on this day.