Mizoram observes Good Friday with solemn devotion
Aizawl (PTI): Good Friday was observed across Christian-majority Mizoram with deep religious fervour as devotees gathered to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Governor Vijay Kumar Singh and Chief Minister Lalduhoma extended their greetings on the occasion of Good Friday.
"Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Good Friday. May this sacred day deepen your faith, fill your heart with abundant grace, and strengthen your spirit. May the divine love and mercy surround you and your loved ones always," Singh said.
Taking to Facebook, Lalduhoma said, "I wish all churches observing the anniversary of the death of Lord Jesus Christ (Good Friday) a happy and joyful time."
The observance began on Thursday evening as local churches convened for special services to administer Holy Communion. This sacrament honours the commandment of Jesus, who instructed his disciples to perform the rite on the eve of his death.
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Also known as the Lord's Supper, the ritual symbolises the body and blood of Christ sacrificed for humanity, signifying a 'New Covenant' that portrays Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.
On Friday, churches of different denominations, including the Presbyterian and Baptist churches, held worship services featuring 'zaipawl' (group songs) by youth members.
Churches also organised 'Zaikhawm' (also known as Lengkhawm), a tradition of congregational singing that remains an integral part of Mizo culture during important Christian festivals, including Christmas and New Year.
The Roman Catholic community organised mass and led solemn Good Friday processions locally known as 'Kross Kawngzawh' through the streets in towns and villages.
Participants sang hymns and preached the Gospel, reflecting the core belief that Christ's sacrifice redeems humanity from sin.
A few minor churches in some villages marked the occasion with traditional community feasts (Ruai) as part of the celebration.
As a public holiday, government offices, educational institutions, and commercial banks remained closed on Friday.
Good Friday observance will be followed by Easter Sunday celebration on April 5 to commemorate the resurrection of Christ.
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Punjab elect to bowl against Chennai in IPL match
Chennai (PTI): Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl against Chennai Super Kings in an Indian Premier League match here on Friday.
CSK made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Prashant Veer in place of Matt Short.
CSK had lost to Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets in the opening match while Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by three wickets.
Teams:
Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (w), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, and Khaleel Ahmed.
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
