Easter 2025: From Bandra to Byculla - here’s how Mumbai celebrates Easter

Easter is one of the highly revered festivals for Christians around the world marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ believed to have occurred three days after his crucifixion This festival is not just a religious milestone it is a symbol of triumph over sorrow a celebration of hope and the promise of new beginningsHow Does Mumbai Celebrate EasterIn Mumbai the Easter 2025 spirit shines brightest in neighbourhoods with strong Christian roots mdash including Bandra Mazgaon Colaba Orlem Byculla and Dadar Churches such as Mount Mary Basilica St Michaelrsquos Church in Mahim Gloria Church in Byculla and Fortrsquos St Thomas Cathedral gleam with lights and become a centre stage for vibrant community gatheringsWorshippers from the Christian community attend the midnight and early morning Easter Masses dressed in their best greeting one another with heartfelt cries of ldquoHe is Risenrdquo amidst the ringing of the church bells and soulful choirsTraditions That Speak of Joy and RenewalFor Advocate Rubina Dsouza 32 Easter is a celebration wrapped in love and traditionldquoEaster has always been one of the meaningful celebrations for us We attend Easter Mass as a family light candles and renew our baptismal vows On Easter Sunday at noon we bless our homes when the church bells ring followed by a festive meal And of course there are Easter eggs mdash chocolate and cake versions mdash which are sweet symbols of joy and loverdquo she saidEaster comes as a muchawaited moment hosting feasts and reconnection post the 40 days of Lent mdash a season of prayer reflection and sacrificeFor 62yearold Marina Eugene Dsouza food is a cherished part of the Easter tradition rooted in love and memoriesldquoMany of us give up meat or fast during the period of Lent Easter is a celebration of hope fulfilled One of the most special moments is the midnight Mass at Holy Family Church in Chakala After Mass I start preparing our Easter meal mdash itrsquos my way of expressing gratitude On Sunday we bless our home and invite family over for a special lunch A few years ago when my motherinlaw was still with us we had a lovely tradition mdash a potluck lunch where each daughter or daughterinlaw brought a dish Wersquod gather share food laughter and storiesrdquo said Marina Eugene DsouzaFrom sweet breads and coconut eggs to symbolic dishes infused with local flavours Mumbairsquos Christian community serves up delicious feasts with deeprooted meaningEast Indian Goan and Mangalorean families prepare festive meals featuring spicy vindaloo mutton cutlets roast chicken and traditional sweets like marzipan and coconut eggs Delicious Easter treats are offered by bakeries across the city of Mumbai Community spaces like Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana host egg painting contests music nights and family gatheringsWhen is Easter CelebratedWhile most of the holidays are celebrated on fixed dates each year Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox This year Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 20 2025A Festival That Brings Mumbaikars TogetherFor Rohan Sarao 35 a chartered accountant Easter 2025 goes beyond its religious rootsldquoWe begin our celebrations with the midnight Easter Mass where the priest lights the Paschal candle mdash a symbol of Christrsquos light overcoming darkness After Mass we cut a cake as a family marking the beginning of our Easter joy The next day we bless our home and share a special meal with loved ones Itrsquos a time of reflection renewal and gratituderdquo said SaraoIn the multicultural city of Mumbai Easter is much more than just a religious occasion mdash its a festival of hope family and shared beginnings From the solemn glow of midnight Mass to the joy of Easter lunch the city celebrates not only a resurrection but a renewal of love life and community spiritatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params