Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): With the country and the world struck by the coronavirus pandemic, Palm Sunday - which marks the beginning of ‘Passion Week’ - was a closed-door affair for churches across Kerala.
If it wasn't for the pandemic, Palm Sunday churches would be overflowing as special masses every day, particularly on Monday, Thursday and Good Friday.
But, sadly for all the devout Christians, for whom 'Passion Week' means to spend the days in prayer in churches, the national lockdown, requiring everyone to stay indoors to stop of COVID-19 spread, will only be lifted two days after Easter Sunday.
In churches across the state, authorities have asked the Palm Sunday service to be held indoors and there should be no more than five people present, including the priests and his associates.
Also read: COVID-19 LIVE: 1,023 cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat event, says Health Ministry
However, the Palm Sunday service was available online and can be live-streamed.
The Palm Sunday service is to commemorate Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem, when palm branches were laid out on his path, before his arrest and crucifixion on Good Friday.
This event in the state is enacted in several places on the roads when devotees with freshly cut coconut leaves in hands walk saying prayers and singing hymns.
Of Kerala's 33.4 million population, 61.41 lakh are Christians.
IANS Report
