Easter Sunday 2027 ईस्टर

Why Easter Sunday is celebrated

For Christians, Easter is the centre of their faith. They believe that Jesus Christ, who was crucified on Good Friday, rose from the dead on the following Sunday. This resurrection is seen as God's victory over sin and death and as the promise of new life for all who believe. Many Christians say that without Easter there would be no Christian faith, which is why it ranks above even Christmas in the church year.

The day carries a message of hope. After the sorrow of Good Friday and the quiet of Holy Saturday, Easter morning speaks of joy, forgiveness and a fresh start. Churches greet one another with the words Christ is risen, and the reply, He is risen indeed. The festival also comes in spring in the northern half of the world, so images of new life, such as eggs, flowers and young lambs, became part of its customs.

Easter is not just one day. It begins a season of fifty days, called Eastertide, that ends with Pentecost. For believers it is a time to renew baptism promises, return to church and reach out to the poor and lonely.

History and story of Easter Sunday

The four Gospels in the Bible tell the story. Jesus was arrested in Jerusalem, tried before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate and crucified around 30 to 33 CE. His body was placed in a rock tomb on Friday evening. Early on Sunday, women followers, among them Mary Magdalene, found the tomb empty, and the Gospels say Jesus then appeared to his disciples several times.

These events took place during the Jewish festival of Passover, which recalls the escape of the Israelites from Egypt. The Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples was linked to that feast. This is why the Greek and Latin name for Easter is Pascha, from the Hebrew word Pesach, and why the date of Easter still depends on the moon.

Early Christians did not agree on the date. In 325 CE the Council of Nicaea decided that all churches should keep Easter on a Sunday, and later church scholars worked out the rule now in use: the first Sunday after the church full moon on or after 21 March. Western churches follow the Gregorian calendar for this, while many Eastern Orthodox churches use the older Julian calendar. In 2026 Western Easter falls on 5 April and Orthodox Easter on 12 April.

The English word Easter is thought to come from Eostre, the name of an old spring festival in England mentioned by the monk Bede in the eighth century.

How Easter Sunday is celebrated

Easter is prepared for during Lent, a period of about forty days of fasting, prayer and charity that begins on Ash Wednesday. In 2026 Lent started on 18 February. The last week, called Holy Week, opens with Palm Sunday, when churches hand out palm fronds to recall Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday remembers the Last Supper, often with a foot washing service. Good Friday is a day of mourning, with the Stations of the Cross and long services in the afternoon.

On Saturday night many Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox churches hold the Easter Vigil. The church starts in darkness. A new fire is lit outside, and from it the tall Paschal candle is lit and carried in, while the congregation passes the flame from candle to candle. Bells ring, the Gloria and Alleluia return after Lent, and new members are often baptised. Protestant churches may hold a sunrise service on Sunday morning instead.

After church, families share a festive meal, visit relatives and give gifts. Painted or chocolate eggs are given to children as a sign of new life. Many parishes also distribute food to the poor and visit the sick.

Easter Sunday across India

In Kerala, home to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, many Syrian Christian families keep a strict fast of about fifty days before Easter, giving up meat, fish and eggs. The fast ends after the midnight service with a breakfast of appam and chicken or mutton stew. According to tradition, Christianity reached Kerala with Saint Thomas the Apostle in the first century.

In Goa, churches are packed for the Easter Vigil, and homes make marzipan eggs and other sweets. In Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya, where most people are Christian, whole towns join church services, choirs and community feasts. Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata also see large services in their historic churches.

In Uttarakhand, Christian families in Dehradun attend services in city churches, and the old hill churches of Mussoorie, Landour and Nainital hold Easter worship that draws local people and visitors alike.