Christians in Rawalpindi & Islamabad celebrated Easter 2025 with joy, prayers, family feasts, and messages of peace, unity, and hope.
Easter Celebrations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad:
One of the most significant occasions in the Christian calendar is Easter. The Christian community in the twin towns of Islamabad and Rawalpindi joyfully and fervently commemorated this momentous occasion. The celebration comes after 40 days of fasting and prayer during Lent. On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of Christianity.
Special Church Services and Prayers:
The Easter celebrations started late Saturday evening. The majority of churches celebrated Easter Sunday with midnight services. Well-known churches, including Rawalpindi’s St. Joseph’s Cathedral, were decked out with lovely lighting and flowers. As people gathered in great numbers, the atmosphere was one of happiness and tranquillity.
Priests and other church officials read passages from the Bible and delivered sermons during the services. Jesus Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection were discussed. The worshippers were reminded of the theme of Easter hope and fresh starts, and these rituals helped them feel more spiritually connected. The church choirs sang Easter melodies and hymns. A touching scenario was created as everyone joined in the singing while holding candles.
Limited Processions Due to Construction:
Sunrise processions, a significant component of Easter celebrations, were held in many churches in the past. To celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, people would congregate in groups early in the morning. However, this year’s daybreak march from the General Post Office to St. Paul’s Church was unable to happen because of construction on Rawalpindi’s Mall Road.
Instead, the parade was held on the church grounds. Despite the site change, the people’s enthusiasm remained the same. Large numbers of worshippers showed their strong religious dedication and faith by attending the ceremony.
Celebrations at Home:
After the prayers, families gathered at home to celebrate the rest of the day together. Since Easter marks the end of Lent, it is also a time to enjoy delicious food. Most Christian families prepared special meals that included meat dishes, which were not eaten during the fasting period. Homes were filled with the aroma of food, and guests were warmly welcomed. The day was spent enjoying meals, chatting with relatives, and creating happy memories.
Another common tradition of Easter is the giving of Easter eggs. These are usually made of chocolate and are either homemade or bought from bakeries. The egg is a symbol of new life and rebirth, which fits the Easter message perfectly. Easter eggs are eagerly anticipated by kids. They frequently trade them with loved ones. This small gift adds fun and excitement to the celebrations, especially for the younger ones.
Messages of Peace, Unity and Hope:
Easter is not just a festival of food and fun. It also carries a deep message of peace, love, and forgiveness. Religious leaders used this occasion to talk about the importance of harmony among all people, regardless of their religion or background. At St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Bishop Joseph Arshad offered up prayers for world peace. He spoke against the wars and violence happening in different countries. He urged people to become messengers of love, just like Jesus taught.
Leaders also urged everyone to live in unity and respect one another’s faiths. They prayed for blessings for Pakistan’s development and prosperity. The sermons reminded everyone that society can only progress when there is unity and mutual respect among different communities.
Security and Support from Authorities:
Since Easter is such an important occasion, the local administration made special security arrangements to protect those attending church services. Police officers were deployed around all major churches in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Walk-through gates and metal detectors were placed at entrances to ensure safety. Worshippers appreciated these steps, which helped them feel secure and allowed them to enjoy the event without fear.
The government also showed support by allowing hotels and restaurants to remain open during the day, despite it being the month of Ramadan for Muslims. This thoughtful action made it easier for the Christian community to celebrate their festival comfortably. Families were also given access to public areas and amusement parks. Many people went out after church services to relax and enjoy the rest of the day in parks and recreational areas.
Political Leaders Show Solidarity:
Many political figures also visited Christian neighborhoods and churches. They congratulated the community on Easter and expressed their support. While some of these visits were seen as efforts to gain favour before upcoming elections, most Christians welcomed the gestures of goodwill. Such visits help strengthen relationships between communities and promote the message that all religious groups are valued and respected in the country.
Final Thoughts:
Easter 2025 was the perfect combination of religious fervor and cultural festivity in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Christian community celebrated the celebration with complete faith, pleasure, and unity despite small obstacles like construction and security worries.
Every aspect of the day embodied the genuine spirit of Easter, from the serene church services to the cozy family get-togethers, from the message of forgiveness and love to the joyful expressions of children receiving Easter eggs.
This event was successful and unforgettable thanks to the efforts of community members, local government representatives, and religious leaders. In addition to commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection, the Christian community sent a powerful message of peace, hope, and fraternity to all Pakistanis.
