Christians celebrate Palm Sunday in Kerala

Thiruvanthapuram, Apr 1 (ANI): Christians in Kerala hailed the Palm Sunday or Oshana Nhayarazhcha festival on Sunday to commemorate the beginning of holy week, ahead of Easter.

Hundreds of devotees gathered at the St. Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral to offer prayers on the occasion.

Commemorating the incident, large number devotees took out a procession holding palm leaves blessed by the parish priest, before the mass in all Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Jacobite churches in Kerala.

Devotees said this celebration actually signifies the glory of Jesus.

"This is in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Once the people elevated Jesus as their King, later he was crucified, depicting the ups and downs of our lives. This palm represent that after crucifixion, on the third day, Jesus resurrected, showing that even in life after every down slide, the path moves upwards," said Susaina, a devotee.

According to the Bible, 'Palm Sunday' is celebrated to mark the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem on a donkey where the rich and the poor greeted him by waving palm branches, and by covering his path with palm branches and expensive clothes and even flowers.

Similar celebrations were also held in all other parishes throughout Kerala.

Palm Sunday is often referred to as 'Passion Sunday' and marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday. (ANI)