Easter celebrated in state with fervour

Thiruvananthapuram: Christians in the state Sunday joined their brethren the world over in celebrating Easter to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion.

Thousands of devotees congregated in churches across the state for prayers early Sunday, ending the Holy Week, marked by prayers and penance.

Senior bishops and priests led the Easter mass and read out the Easter message of hope and spiritual revival.

Breaking the 40-day season of Lent when believers shun worldly pleasures, traditional feasts were arranged in most Christian homes.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and leaders of various political parties greeted Keralites on the occasion.

Christians constitute about 23 per cent of Kerala's population and are mainly concentrated in the central districts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Thrissur.