Date : It is observed in India inApril every year on the day Christ was crucified.

Practice : Christians visit the Churchto attend the Mass held on this occasion. Easter Sunday, which follows GoodFriday, is celebrated with joy and merriment. Processions are taken out in someparts of the country.

Date : The Sunday after Good Friday.Churchmen fixed the date of Easter on the first Sunday following the Paschalfull moon

This is the first full moon after the vernal equinox, March 21. Thissystem is still followed today. Therefore, Easter Sunday moves between March 22and April 25.

Legend/s : Historically, the resurrectionof Christ occurred at the time of the Jewish feast of Passover (called Pesachin Hebrew). The term Easter was first used when the Saxons introducedChristianity. Prior to this time the Saxons had held an annual feast in honor ofthe ancient Teutonic goddess of spring, Eostre. The name was transferred to theChristian observance of Christ's resurrection.

Practice : On Easter, Christianscelebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as it is told in the Bible. Thisholy day celebrates the triumph of life over death. Easter eggs made ofmarzipan, believed to have been given to children by the Easter bunny, are soldin confectionery stores, and bought by children. Easter is universally a joyous,happy day.

Date : The birthday of Jesus Christis celebrated on December 25 every year.

Legend : Jesus was born to Mary inImmaculate Conception. She was a virgin, and an angel had told her and Josephthat she would bear a special baby. They moved from their home Nazareth toBethlehem (near Jerusalem), and Jesus was born in the stable in a manger. Afterthe birth three wise men came to look for Him, bearing three gifts. They hadseen a new star in the sky, and knew that it told of the birth of a specialking. Theyfollowed the direction of the star- east - and eventually found the place whereMary, Joseph and Jesus were staying. To bring honour to the child, they broughtrich gifts: gold, frankincense (a resin which burns with a beautiful smell), andmyrrh (plant oil with a very strong sweet smell).

Practice : Christmas is a major event inIndian Christian households. There is a midnight mass held at all the churcheson the night of 24-25 December and people attend church the next day too. It isa time for cakes and turkey though most of the Christians in India substitutechicken for turkey. Christmas trees are put up and decorated in homes anddepartment stores, stuffed with gifts and sweets.