Processions & prayers mark Palm Sunday in northeast

Guwahati/ Shillong/ Aizawl: Processions and prayer services were held to mark Palm Sunday in the northeast. Special prayers were held, hymns sung and sermons delivered in churches of various denominations. According to the Bible, Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey on the last Sunday before his crucifixion, which marks Palm Sunday. During his entry, people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the streets and shouted ‘Hosanna’, which is a liturgical word used as a cry of praise.The priest-in-charge of Christ Church in Guwahati, the oldest church in the northeast, Reverent Harrison Messih, said, “Between February and March every year, Christians observe 40-day lent and Palm Sunday is celebrated in the last week of the season to mark the beginning of the holy week.” Starting with Palm Sunday, the coming week will be celebrated in different ways. Friday will be celebrated as ‘Good Friday’ to commemorate Jesus’s crucifixion and next Sunday will be celebrated as ‘Easter’ to commemorate his resurrection,” he said.On the occasion, the Christ Church was decorated with crosses made of palm leaves and a procession carrying palm leaf crosses was taken out on its premises. “Crosses were distributed among the faithful after the Sunday mass prayer,” Messih said.In Meghalaya, Christians across the Jaintia and Garo Hills began the annual holy week observance with special sermons held in the churches across the state. Holding palm leaves, the faithful attended special services at churches in Jowai, Tura, Williamnagar, Baghmara and other towns and villages across the region.Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma wrote on social media, “Today, we commemorate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a symbol of hope and renewal. As we wave palm branches and reflect on this significant event, may we also contemplate the importance of humility, compassion, and faith in our lives. Wishing you a blessed Palm Sunday filled with peace and spiritual growth”In Christian-dominated Mizoram, people celebrated the first day of the holy week with several activities. Members of the Salvation Army Musical Bands also took the street to play hymns mixing with members of the other church denominations.The Christian community in Nagaland too held prayer service and sang worship songs in churches, marking the beginning of the most holy time for the community.Addressing the believers at Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (church), Town Fellowship, on Sunday morning, Rev Wati Kitsu asked those who are indulged in bad habits to take a pledge to seek Christ’s help in freeing themselves from such vices.(With inputs from Bhadra Gogoi in Dimapur)