In India, there are about 2.5 percent Christians of total population, still Easter like any other Christian festival, is celebrated with same zeal as it is celebrated in any other part of the world. Easter is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm; it is celebrated with fanfare. Though Easter is celebrated all across India but it is celebrations are more pronounced in the states like Kerala, Goa and Northeastern states like Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Devotees start the Easter observance from the Lent period of fasting. Lent is the forty day long period of fasting and penance for the resurrection of Christ. After that the Holy Week comes which is comprised of Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then after this period, Octave of Easter (the period of traditional Baptisms) is observed. Finally comes the Easter or paschal season which extends for 40 days.

There is custom of arranging for the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday by Christians and there is another custom too wash feet to express love for each other. There is religious ceremony of paschal bread at most of the Christian homes. Then after dinner, cake with cross is cut and dunked in sauce. All the members share this cake.

Good Friday which comes after Holy Thursday is observed as the day of sorrow. People do not attend church till afternoon. Then church services are held in afternoon and everybody is given a drink prepared from leaves and vinegar.

Next day is the Holy Saturday is the day of lamentations. In the church, no services are held for full day and there is complete peace in the church. Around 10 pm in night, people start gathering at the church and Easter Vigil is celebrated. Then numerous candles are lighted in the church to symbolize the Resurrection. Easter Sunday after that is much about spiritual observances than much pomp and show. Families get together and meet relatives and friends. On Easter Sunday, people have grand breakfast.