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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 Crucis or Via Dolorosa), is a Catholic devotion consisting of 14 steps that honour the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Traditionally observed on Fridays during Lent, this practice involves reflecting on key moments from Christ's condemnation to His burial, allowing believers to spiritually accompany Him on His journey to Calvary. Participants carried crosses and chanted hymns, maintaining a reflective and respectful tone throughout the march. In Delhi, devotees also took part in prayers at Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Gol Dak Khana and St Thomas Church, RK Puram Sector 2, observing the day with prayers. Good Friday is a day of paramount significance for Christians worldwide, including those in India, who observe this solemn day on the Friday before Easter, which commences with Palm Sunday and concludes with Easter. The story behind 'Good Friday' is about the day when the Romans crucified Jesus. A disciple of Jesus, Judas, betrayed him, which led to his capture by the Romans. The Governor of the Roman province of Judea at the time, Pontius Pilate, ordered the execution of Jesus. Jesus was made to carry his cross through Jerusalem to the place of crucifixion known as Calvary. The day of 'Good Friday' is followed by the celebration known as 'Easter', which commemorates the event of Jesus' resurrection on the third day after his crucifixion. (ANI)
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegation that he had sided with those who attacked nuns in Chhattisgarh, terming the remarks "ignorant and an instance of excessive rhetoric. "The arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh in July last year on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion triggered a political row in the state, with Congress and CPI(M) targeting the saffron party over the incident. In a strongly worded statement, Vijayan said Rahul appeared to have forg ...Read More >
Kerala's Aranmula constituency is set for a competitive Assembly election, with key candidates focusing on development, health sector performance, and religious issues to sway voters. IMAGE: Kerala health minister Veena George (second from right) interacts with people during election campaigning in Aranamula assembly constituency in Kerala, March 31, 2026. Photograph: Courtesy Facebook Key Points Incumbent minister Veena George of CPM-led LDF is seeking a third consecutive term, campaigning on d ...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 >
Mumbai: St James Church, one of the oldest landmarks from Thane's colonial history, is getting a facelift to celebrate its 200th anniversary in July. The church was built in 1825 as a place of worship for British officers and soldiers when the town, then spelled as Tannah or Thana, was the headquarters of a large district in the Bombay Province. The restoration work on the church building is expected to continue for six months, but the jubilee will be celebrated on July 25. Rev Rajendra Bhosale, the priest-in-charge, noted that the church is in what was then the civil lines, where the offices ...Read More >
Kochi (AsiaNews) - The controversy began after St. Rita's Public School in Palluruthy, run by the Latin Catholic Church, refused to allow a student to wear the hijab. In the days that followed, referring to Muslim organisations, an editorial in the Catholic daily Deepika said: 'Those who asked for prayer rooms in Christian schools have now come forward to claim the right to wear the hijab.' This has led to harsh criticism, a sign of the interreligious tension that the affair is causing in Kerala. The student at the centre of the hijab controversy in Kerala has finally decided to leave school. ...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 >
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) The Supreme Court has said money cannot be recovered by filing an FIR and seeking help of police as it quashed a cheating case against the producer of Bollywood movie "Tanu Weds Manu". A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan expressed displeasure over the approach of the Allahabad High Court in dealing with the petition of producer Shailesh R Singh for quashing of the FIR against him by complainant Kunal Jain. "Money cannot be recovered, more particularly, in a civil dispute between the parties by filing a first information report and seeking the help of the ...Read More >
Patna, Aug 1 (PTI) Healthcare services were affected at AIIMS-Patna on Friday as resident doctors went on an "indefinite strike" in protest against the alleged high-handedness of Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand. According to a press statement issued by the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), AIIMS-Patna, on Friday, "The RDA expresses deep disappointment and anguish over the lack of action by the administration following the violent and traumatic incident that occurred on Wednesday, when MLA Chetan Anand, his wife and their armed guards breached hospital security, physically assaulted staff, and thr ...Read More >
A special court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district has granted bail to two nuns from Kerala and one other person. They were arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion following a complaint by a Bajrang Dal functionary. The court's decision came after a hearing where the prosecution did not request custody for interrogation. A special court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district on Saturday granted bail to three persons, including two nuns from Kerala, arrested on char ...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 >
'They should be given a strong message that they are not the ones who decide the rule of the land, and they are not the ones who decide what justice is.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the heads of various Christian organisations during his visit to Kerala. Photograph: ANI Photo It was on the 26th of July that Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, two Catholic nuns from Kerala, working in the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, were arrested along with Sukaman Mandavi, a youth from Narayanpur ...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 >
Thiruvananthapuram: Education minister V Sivankutty demanded that the Election Commission conduct a repoll in Thrissur. There were widespread complaints before and after the election that fake votes were added in the Thrissur constituency, he said."What happened in Thrissur is a democratic massacre. The news emerging regarding the Thrissur parliamentary elections is shocking. These events highlight how lightly the BJP regards democracy. It is a serious offence that votes were registered at addres ...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 >
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. Also Read | 'To My Colleagues in AAP, Picture Abhi Baaki Hai': Raghav Chadha Defends Punjab Record, Shares Rajya Sabha Video. Following the c ...Read More >