Hyderabad Rings in Easter with Pre-dawn Services
After 40 days of Lent, families host festive meals
Hyderabad: Hymns filled the early morning air as thousands gathered at churches for sunrise services across Hyderabad on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with prayers, music, and community fellowship.
From St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abids to CSI Wesley Church in Secunderabad, faithful attended pre-dawn services, some as early as 4 am. Services began with lighting the symbolic Paschal candle, signifying hope after the 40 days of Lent. Cardinal Poola Anthony led the celebrations at St Mary’s Basilica in Secunderabad during the Easter Vigil service.
At All Saints’ Church in Trimulgherry, worshippers gathered under starlit skies, followed by a festive breakfast featuring homemade hot cross buns. Volunteer and home baker Riny Melanie, whose buns sold out quickly, said serving food was her contribution to the church community.
Rev. Karunakar addressed over 600 attendees, highlighting Easter’s message of resilience. "Easter isn’t just about Christ’s resurrection — it symbolises our own ability to rise through struggles," he said.
Celebrations continued beyond services, with families hosting festive lunches featuring biryani, mutton curry, and cake. Children participated in egg-painting activities and treasure hunts, while city breakfast spots bustled with post-service crowds.
Traffic briefly slowed in areas like Yapral, Marredpally, Abids, and Mehdipatnam as volunteers assisted worshippers in managing the morning rush.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended Easter greetings via social media, wishing citizens joy, peace, and harmony on the occasion.
