Beautifully Festive Easter Traditions Around The World – Part 5. India

India

India could give lessons to the rest of the world about respecting other peoples beliefs and religions!

Islam is India's and the world's second largest religion.

While Christians only make up less than 3% of their population, Jews and Christians have lived continuously in India since 200 B.C. and 52 A.D. in harmony as they do with other religions of their country.

Jainism and Buddhism were founded in India in 600 B.C. and 500 B.C.

India is the largest English speaking nation in the world.

Easter Basket Blessing

Traditionally these baskets were filled with special breads and eggs and brought to the alter to be blessed by the Father. Many still follow this tradition.

Shrove Tuesday

Easter begins on Lent and ends on Easter Sunday.

People of India buy new clothes for Holy Week, most often they are white. This is very important to them. People who are baptized wear white. This represents that person is free from sin and full of God's grace.

On Shrove Tuesday, Christians make simnel bread and pancakes cakes are made. On this day they also attend church and confess their sins asking for forgiveness.

Mary Immaculate Conception

Church of Mary Immaculate Conception in Panaji Goa India is where many gather from all across India on Easter Sunday. Most often there are too many people to be able to fit inside. Many worshipers have to stay outside but are able to still take part in the special prayers and rituals during the service and listen to the priest tell the story of Jesus' suffering for the sins of all the nations.

Of all the churches in Goa that conducts the Easter mass and procession, Mary Immaculate Conception in Panjim Goa draws the largest crowd. The Holy Cross is exchanged by friends and relatives, once the church service is over.

Easter Eggs

While India does not normally decorate Easter Eggs. The eggs are a huge attraction in the markets there. People exchange these as gifts to their children and each other. A tourist found these beautifully decorated egg in a market while visiting India. Decorated eggs there are most commonly made of wood.

Colorful lanterns

Along with the Easter Eggs, colorful lanterns as well as chocolate cake, flowers and chocolate Easter Bunnies can be bought at these markets during Easter for their gift giving tradition.

People of India look forward to their Spring time festival as part of their Easter celebration. As part of their festivities, Christians gather on Good Friday at their churches to either watch or take part in the passion plays.

They have carnivals during their festival celebration where there are many plays, song and dances performed. This celebration can last up to two weeks. Children make beautiful crafted items for the festival as well.