Guwahati: Easter was celebrated across Northeast with devotees taking part in rallies and sunrise services and singing gospels and hymns, choirs and biblical sermons to spread the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood.
In Nagaland, Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) organised the annual Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at the World War-II Cemetery in the state capital to mark the day.
While delivering his message, Rev Dr Vesekhoyi Tetseo, general secretary of the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, said that Jesus is the hope for those who acknowledge their shortcomings and repent. He called upon the people to “seek God’s mercy to have eternal salvation.” He exhorted that teachings of the gospel must be spread by us.
Extending his greetings, Dr Neiphi Kire, chairman of the Kohima Village Council, said that the cemetery was picked for the celebration as it is a meaningful place which witnessed thousands of people sacrificing their lives during the fierce battle of Kohima.
In other parts of the state, people also re-enacted the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Similarly, in Mizoram too, Easter was celebrated with traditional fervour. People woke up to musical bands playing ‘He’s Arisen’ to mark the beginning of Easter Sunday. Devotees across the state also exchanged greetings to mark the occasion.
Presbyterian Church priest Rev B S Thanga said arrangements have been made for special prayer services in Aizawl as well as other parts of Mizoram.
In Sikkim’s capital Gangtok, the United Christian Welfare Society of Sikkim (UCWSS) organised a rally with members form around 30 different churches in and around the city taking part.
The rally started from Convoy Ground, Tadong and moved along the National Highway covering Indira Bypass, Deorali, Hospital Dara, Sadar Thana and finally concluded at the Bethlehem Fellowship Church in Sungava.
The rally started with prayers by the UCWSS president Elder Patrus Gurung and members of different churches participating with banners and placards having the message of the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ and singing songs. It ended with a short message on Easter and prayers.
UCWSS joint secretary Andrew Chettri, who was also the coordinator of the rally, said that the rally is an annual event organised by the UCWSS on Easter. He stated that the main objective of the rally was to bring together members of different churches across Gangtok and to give the message of the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ to the people.
(With inputs from Dichen Ongmu in Sikkim)