Christians observe Good Friday
Baisakhi, Poila Boishakh, Good Friday all fall at the same time and all these festivals have different meaning and importance in the region and community they are celebrated. People from different religions shared how they observe this day which is commonly perceived as the harvesting festival.
Dr Jagnit Chawla
“Baisakhi is very different from how it is seen, as if it is all about bhangra and dancing but this day is actually a very pious day when Khalsa was established for the betterment of society. Guru Gobind Singh visualised the national dream and selected five disciples from different caste-groups to integrate a classless society. He gave a common name to all the people and the swaroop was chosen of the Rishi’s and warrior and formed a group of people who were strong in physical and spiritual strength and humility irrespective of any class. We go to the gurdwara and pray to god, serve people there and celebrate what was envisioned by Guru Gobind Singh, i.e. being one.”
Asha Shah
“Good Friday is not a celebration. It is the day when Jesus was crucified. It marks the beginning of good for mankind as Jesus gave himself to be crucified so that humans can be free from their sins. We pray to god. The prayers begin from morning 7 and end at 3 in the afternoon, after which we all have food together served at the church. The prayers include the commemoration of the events of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. We remember how he sacrificed his life for mankind. At the church, scenes are also enacted to show the pain he went through for mankind. It is called Good Friday because it marks the beginning of good.”
Sandhya Dutta
“Poila Boishakh is the Bengali New Year day which is celebrated across the nation by Hindus under different names. Generally, fairs were organised to celebrate earlier but since now times have changed, the ways of celebrations have also changed. Families gather and enjoy a good time together. We go to Kali Bari for praying and starting the year with the blessings of god. Since it is the first day of the year according to Bengali calendar, it is the Shubho Nobo Borsho (Happy New Year) for us.”
