Churches deserted on Easter over COVID-19 lockdown

A visual of the Sacred Heart Cathedral near Gol Dak Khana in Delhi.

New Delhi: Churches across the country on Easter wore a deserted look as mass gatherings have been suspended in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

 

In the national capital, Sacred Heart Cathedral near Gol Dak Khana was seen closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Similarly, Lucknow's St Joseph's Cathedral also closed its doors due to the coronavirus threat.

Tamil Nadu: Rev Charles led the prayers at All Souls' Church in Coimbatore, on #Easter today, without the presence of any devotee here. Mass gatherings have been suspended at the Church in view of #Coronavirus. Prayers were live-streamed live on Facebook for members of the church pic.twitter.com/Ha0Un9VcUm

— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020

Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion on Good Friday. It also marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance.

Kerala: Archbishop Mar Antony Kariyil, of Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese
of Syro-Malabar Church, led #Easter prayers at Major Archbishop's House Chapel in Kochi today. Mass gatherings suspended at Church in view of #COVDI19. Prayers were live-streamed live on Facebook & YouTube. pic.twitter.com/EHmXL5ll38

— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020

On April 21 last year, devotees had gathered at churches across India at midnight on Easter. Churches were decked up with flowers as people attended the ceremonial midnight mass to offer prayers in devotional fervour. However, this year, the public rituals had to be cancelled in the wake of the lockdown.

Kerala: Members of the Christian community in Kottayam watch live streaming of #Easter prayers, being held in the churches today. Churches are closed and mass gatherings have been suspended there in view of #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/pWadfJ3sfc

— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020

 

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Mach 24 announced a 21-day lockdown to fight the virus. (ANI)