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Mumbai, April 1: This week, millions of Christians worldwide are preparing to observe Good Friday, a pivotal day of reflection and penance leading up to Easter Sunday. In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3, marking the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Unlike many holidays characterized by celebration, Good Friday is defined by its solemnity, traditionally observed through fasting, church services, and the "Stations of the Cross" processions. The date of Good Friday changes annually because it is tied to the lunar calendar. It is always observed on the Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday. In 2026, the Western Christian calendar marks the day on Friday, April 3. For Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar, Good Friday will be observed later, on April 10, 2026. In India, it is recognized as a gazetted holiday in many states, with banks, schools, and government offices remaining closed. Good Friday 2026: Why You Should Not Say 'Happy Good Friday' and What To Say Instead. Good Friday commemorates the biblical account of the trial, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. According to the Gospels, Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, sentenced by Pontius Pilate, and forced to carry a wooden cross to his execution site. Historically, the observation of this day dates back to the early centuries of the Church. By the 4th century, Christians in Jerusalem began holding special services to retrace the steps of Jesus' final hours, a tradition that evolved into the modern liturgical practices seen today. How Is Good Friday Observed? Things You Can Do To Remember Jesus Christ's Sacrifice. To many, the name "Good Friday" seems contradictory for a day centered on suffering and death. However, linguists and theologians offer two primary explanations for the terminology: For believers, Good Friday is a time of deep spiritual introspection. It is the most somber day of "Holy Week," which also includes Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday. In 2026, the day remains a time for quietude. While the digital world often remains active, many individuals use the day for a "digital fast," stepping away from social media to focus on prayer or family reflection. While businesses in major financial hubs like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Indian stock markets (BSE and NSE) remain closed, the day serves as a global reminder of the values of sacrifice and resilience that underpin the holiday.
A conversion racket was busted in Lucknow. The Nigohan police arrested a man accused of converting more than 50 Hindus in Baktauri Kheda village of the Nigohan area by luring them with promises of miraculous cures and financial support. The accused has been identified as Malkhan, alias Matthew. He was targeting uneducated families belonging to the SC community and luring them to convert to Christianity. Healing sessions used for conversion Police said Malkhan had converted to Christianity about ten years ago in 2016 and changed his name to Matthew. Since then, he started conducting "healing ...Read More >
Kolkata: Devotees across India observed Good Friday with solemn prayers and religious processions, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, devotees gathered to offer prayers and participate in special services conducted to commemorate the day. Meanwhile, in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, thousands of devotees took part in the traditional 'Way of the Cross' procession, a ritual retracing the path of Christ's journey to Calvary. The Way of the Cross, also known as the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis or Via Dolorosa), is a Catholic devo ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
Hyderabad: City police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Tuesday asked the organisers of the 'Sri Veera Hanuman Vijay Yatra' during Hanuman Jayanti on April 2, to ensure that it was peaceful and orderly in the manner of the 'Sri Rama Shobha Yatra' last week. Referring to the recent the police commissioner asked stakeholders to ensure similar peaceful conduct. Speaking at a review meeting here, Sajjanar said 168 tributary processions from across the city were expected to merge with the main rally. About 3,000 police personnel, supported by different wings, will be deployed. The rally will be monit ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 3 (ANI): Devotees across India observed Good Friday with solemn prayers and religious processions, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, devotees gathered to offer prayers and participate in special services conducted to commemorate the day. Also Read | Good Friday 2026 Message: PM Narendra Modi Pays Tribute to Jesus Christ's Sacrifice, Calls for Harmony and Compassion in Society. Meanwhile, in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, thousands of devotees took part in the traditional 'Way of the Cross' pr ...Read More >
Amid relentless protests by the Opposition over concerns regarding minority rights and chokehold on NGOs, the BJP-led central government on Wednesday dropped a scheduled debate in Lok Sabha on a bill to amend the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). According to sources cited by PTI news agency, the debate is unlikely to come up again during the Budget session of parliament, which is likely to conclude on Thursday. Opposition parties and minority organisations, including some church head ...Read More >
New Delhi, April 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday greeted citizens on the eve of Easter. In a message, the President said, "On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens, especially to the Christian community residing in India and abroad." She said Easter is a significant festival of Christianity. "The resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ encourages us to embrace the values of truth, love, compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness," she said. "On this occasion, let us renew our resolve to promote harmony, peace, and brothe ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Easter, emphasising the festival's message of hope, truth, and goodness. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "Warm greetings on the joyous occasion of Easter! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a timeless reminder that truth always prevails over falsehood, hope rises above despair, and goodness conquers evil. May this Easter inspire compassion, strengthen bonds of fraternity, and usher in a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow." Earlier today, Leader of Opposition ...Read More >
The RBI bank holiday calendar will be followed by all public and private sector banks, including SBI, PNB, BOI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank and others. Check out the full list of bank holidays this week: I. March 30: The banks will observe a holiday due to Mahavir Jayanti in Karnataka. II. March 31: Banks in Ahmedabad, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, New Delhi, Bihar, and Jharkhand will observe a holiday due to Mahavir Janmakalyanak/Mahavir Jayanti. ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, April 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp political offensive in Kerala, alleging that "not even God is safe in God's Own Country", as he accused both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) of corruption and appeasement politics. Campaigning for NDA candidate Vatsala Prasanna Kumari in Paravur, Singh invoked a Biblical analogy, saying Judas betrayed Jesus for silver coins, and alleged that the LDF had "betrayed Lord Ayyappa for gold". He further claimed that those responsible for the alleged gold t ...Read More >
Imphal (Manipur) [India], April 3 (ANI): Good Friday was observed at MBC Centre Church in Imphal on Friday, with special prayers and worship services marking the day that commemorates the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Speaking to ANI, Pastor Rev. Zuankamang Daimai said that Good Friday is one of the most significant days for Christians, as it marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life for the sins of humanity. Also Read | Delhi Police Files FIR Over Alleged FSSAI Document Tampering, Seeks X Account Details in Defamation Probe. He informed that the church organised a special ...Read More >
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on the occasion of Good Friday, emphasising the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In a post shared on X, the Prime Minister said, "Good Friday reminds us of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. May this day further deepen the values of harmony, compassion and forgiveness. May brotherhood and hope guide us all." Meanwhile, devotees across India observed Good Friday with solemn prayers and religious processions, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, devotees gathered to of ...Read More >
Thane, Apr 5 (PTI) A family from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly swindled of more than Rs 1.66 crore by a man who exploited their fear of "black magic" and promised them divine remedies through elaborate rituals and pilgrimages, police said on Sunday. The Kasarvadavali police district on April 2 registered a first information report (FIR) against Manjunath Shetty, a resident of Andheri in neighbouring Mumbai, based on the family's allegations that they were manipulated into paying the accused over a period of two years to "neutralise black magic" performed by a relative, an officia ...Read More >
Kohima, Apr 5 (PTI) Nagaland celebrated Easter Sunday with prayers, sunrise services, and messages of hope, as leaders and churches across the state marked the resurrection of Jesus Christ with deep spiritual fervour. Easter also marks the culmination of the Holy Week, including a period of special fasting and reflection by believers beginning from Good Friday and leading up to Easter Sunday. Extending greetings, Governor Nand Kishore Yadav wished that the occasion inspire hope, renewal and peace, bringing joy and blessings to all. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the day celebrates the rise ...Read More >
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) The proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have snowballed into a major political flashpoint in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, with Church leaders and the Congress raising strong objections, even as the Centre firmly rejected allegations of targeting minorities. Supreme head of the Orthodox Church Baselios Marthoma Mathews III Catholicos led the criticism from the Christian community, warning that the amendments could "suffocate" the functioning of churches and disrupt long-standing social servic ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 3 (ANI): Devotees across India observed Good Friday with solemn prayers and religious processions, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, devotees gathered to offer prayers and participate in special services conducted to commemorate the day. Meanwhile, in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, thousands of devotees took part in the traditional 'Way of the Cross' procession, a ritual retracing the path of Christ's journey to Calvary. The Way of the Cross, also known as the Stations of the Cross (Via Cruci ...Read More >
Panaji, Apr 3 (PTI) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday urged people to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the values of love and redemption on the solemn occasion of Good Friday. In a post on X, Sawant said the teachings of Jesus Christ on compassion, forgiveness and selflessness should continue to guide people towards peace and righteousness. "On this solemn occasion of Good Friday, let us reflect on the sacrifice of Lord Jesus Christ and the values of love and redemption he stood for," the chief minister said in the post. He said Christ's message of love, compassion and ...Read More >
Kochi, April 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon Bharatiya Janata Party workers in the poll-bound Kerala to take inspiration from cricketer Sanju Samson's turnaround performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, describing it as a lesson in overcoming adversity and delivering under pressure. Addressing party members ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections, Modi referred to Samson's initial struggles in the tournament and his decisive comeback in the latter stages, which proved vital in securing India's second T20 World Cup title. "Sanju showed how to rise ...Read More >
Kharagpur (West Bengal) [India], April 5 (ANI): Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Sunday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, criticising her political approach and recent statements ahead of the upcoming elections. Speaking to the media, Ghosh alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership has been engaging in divisive politics. "Everyone lives together in India," he said, asserting that the BJP has never discriminated while governing the country. Also Read | EPFO PF Withdrawal Rules 2026: Know When and How You Can Access Your Savings Easily. He claim ...Read More >
Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 5 (ANI): On the occasion of Easter, Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, a DMK candidate of the Secular Progressive Alliance from Thiruverumbur constituency, greeted devotees at St. Philomena's Church in Kattur today. The minister interacted with the congregation during the special Easter service commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the public. Following the celebrations, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi appealed to voters to support the 'Rising Sun' symbol in the upcoming elections, urging th ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday said that both Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are unlikely to respond to the party's recent questions concerning BJP's Puducherry President and Raj Bhavan constituency candidate VP Ramalingam and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) chief Jose Charles Martin hosting a Sri Lankan diplomat in Puducherry. Replying to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera's post on X, Ramesh wrote, "The answers to your three questions are self-evident: 1. He will not, 2. He will not, ...Read More >
Delhi (AsiaNews) - A significant step towards religious freedom and worship in the southern Indian state of Kerala, one of the most tolerant in terms of worship with a significant Christian (and Muslim) presence, capable of coexisting with the Hindu majority. A note from the Chief Minister's office points out that the local government, with a measure made official on 9 March, has granted maximum recognition to Pentecostal churches as part of the Church and as a Christian denomination. The decision comes a few days after a delegation of Pentecostal Church leaders met with Prime Minister Pinara ...Read More >
PM Modi said that Kerala has great potential, yet continues to lag behind other states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the countdown for removal of the LDF government in Kerala has started, and a BJP-led NDA will come to power in the state. Speaking at a BJP-led NDA rally here in Pathanamthitta district, Modi said that the saffron party workers in the state have signalled a strong mood to bid farewell to the Left rule. Elections to 140 Assembly seats will be held on April 9 ...Read More >
Imphal: Good Friday was observed at MBC Centre Church in Imphal on Friday, with special prayers and worship services marking the day that commemorates the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Speaking to ANI, Pastor Rev. Zuankamang Daimai said that Good Friday is one of the most significant days for Christians, as it marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life for the sins of humanity. He informed that the church organised a special service from 7 AM to 12 noon, followed by extended prayer sessions. "We are holding special prayers for people from all communities, for peace in the la ...Read More >
Kolkata: As the city observed Good Friday with solemn prayers and packed services on Friday, sermons across both iconic and neighbourhood churches carried a message that extended beyond ritual observance -- calling for peace, forgiveness and coexistence in a time marked by conflict and unease.From prominent churches in the city centre to local parish congregations, church leaders reflected on Christ's sacrifice as a reminder to resist violence and uphold human dignity.At St John's Church on Council House Street, worshippers sat in silence through scripture readings and hymns. "Good Friday remi ...Read More >
CHENNAI: DMK Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson has strongly criticized the Centre's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, alleging that it targets Christian institutions and undermines minority rights. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Wilson claimed the government introduced the Bill during Easter to create fear among Christians. He said the amendments, particularly the retrospective divestment of properties, were "draconian, like staging a robbery at gunpoint in someone's house." "The Bill appears aimed at Christian missionaries, NGOs, and churches, including schools, colleges, h ...Read More >
Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 5 (ANI): Easter is being celebrated with religious fervour and devotion at the Sacred Heart Church in Udaiyarpatti of Tirunelveli district, where thousands of Christians have gathered to participate in special prayers and Mass on Sunday. Devotees assembled in large numbers at the church to take part in the Easter Mass. During the ceremony, worshippers shared the light of candles with one another, symbolising hope, faith, and renewal. They also renewed their baptismal vows and offered prayers while holding candles, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosp ...Read More >
KOCHI/KOZHIKODE/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reaching out to the Christian community on Easter, Home Minister Amit Shah urged voters in Kerala to back the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming assembly elections, saying the alliance would usher in a "prosperous Kerala" if voted to power. Addressing a public meeting in Kunnathunad constituency in Ernakulam district, Shah said the NDA government, if elected, would act decisively on pending issues, including the alleged Sabarimala gold scam. "Those responsible will be punished within two months of the NDA coming to power," he asserted. He also promised that Kera ...Read More >
New Delhi, April 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended warm greetings to Bharatiya Janata Party's workers on the occasion of the party's Foundation Day, emphasising the long-standing commitment to public service and the principle of "India First." The BJP was established in 1980 after a split from the Janata Party, rooted in its predecessor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, founded in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. It has since grown into one of India's major national parties with a focus on cultural nationalism and development. Posting on X, PM Modi said, "Warm greetings to all BJP K ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp political offensive in Kerala, alleging that "not even God is safe in God's Own Country", as he accused both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) of corruption and appeasement politics. Campaigning for NDA candidate Vatsala Prasanna Kumari in Paravur, Singh invoked a Biblical analogy, saying Judas betrayed Jesus for silver coins, and alleged that the LDF had "betrayed Lord Ayyappa for gold". He further claimed that those responsible for the alleged gold theft were being shielded, ...Read More >