Indian President, PM extend Easter greetings

By Robin Gomes

India’s president and prime minister have wished Christians at home and abroad on the occasion of Easter, hoping the feast stimulate the spirit of service and fraternity in society. 

“Greetings to fellow citizens, especially to the Christian community in India and abroad, on Easter. The sacred day of the resurrection of Lord Jesus, brings joy and equanimity to our hearts. May the message of Christ promote fraternity in our shared society,” Indian President Ram Nath Kovind wrote in a post on his Twitter account on Easter Sunday. 

Prime Minister Narendra also used the social microblog to wish Christians on their most solemn feast.  “Happy Easter! I hope this special day strengthens the bonds of unity, peace and brotherhood. May the noble thoughts and ideals of Lord Christ motivate people to serve and bring a positive difference to society,” Modi tweeted.

Easter is the holiest feast of Christians that commemorates the triumphant rising of Jesus from death following his passion and crucifixion.  Christians prepare themselves for Easter with a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penance, starting on Ash Wednesday.

Easter is a moveable feast, and does not have a fixed date.  It occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. However, not all Christians have Easter on the same date.  Eastern and Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar, celebrated Easter later.