Easter: A Global Celebration of Hope, Unity and Inter-religious Harmony

New Delhi, 8 April 2026 — The Interreligious Ecumenical Easter Celebration, “Asha Ka Mahotsav” (Celebration of Hope), was jointly organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Chavara Cultural Centre, New Delhi, bringing together a remarkable gathering of 9+ religious leaders, 15+ ambassadors, diplomats, students, youth and professors from around the world. 

Organised under the theme “Easter The Faith Festival of All Christians,” the event highlighted the universal message of Easter as a celebration of hope, renewal and peace that goes beyond religious boundaries. 

The celebration was graced by His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Poola, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, along with prominent church leaders including His Grace Dr. Youhanon Mar Demetrios, Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Delhi; Rt.Rev. Zacharias Mar Aprem, Bishop of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Delhi; H.E. Bishop Stephen Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay; and H.E. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios, Bishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Delhi.

The gathering was also marked by the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, including H.E. Ms. Arlette Gabriela Bustamante Garcia, Ambassador of Bolivia to India; H.E. Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile to India; H.E. Mr. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica to India; H.E. Mr. Francisco Comprés H, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to India; H.E. Mr. Omar Castaneda, Ambassador of Guatemala to India; H.E. Mr. Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India; H.E. Mr. Reuben Gauci, Ambassador of Malta to India; H.E. Mr. Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, Ambassador of Paraguay to India; H.E. Mr. Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru to India; H.E. Mr. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor Leste to India; H.E. Mr. Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, Ambassador of Uruguay to India; and Ms. Nohely Salinas González, Third Secretary at the Embassy of Panama.

In his message, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Poola, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, drew attention to the suffering of innocent children, the vulnerable and the poor, and called upon all people to work together in unity, love and friendship to build a new world. He emphasized that this journey begins by accepting, respecting and celebrating the other, reminding everyone that true peace starts when we recognize the dignity of every human person.

The celebration brought together respected religious leaders from diverse faith traditions, including Swami Sarvalokanandaji Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Mission; Goswami Sushilji Maharaj; Swami Chander Devji Maharaj, Founder Chairman of the Global Saint Samaj Kalyan Foundation; H.H. Acharya Satyendra Narayan; Brahma Kumari Husain; Maulana Muhammad Ajazur Rahman Shaheeb Qasmi; Dewan Syed Samad Nizami; Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Khalsa; Shri Paramjit Singh Chandok; Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok; Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar; Ms. Carmel M. Tripathi; Shri Vivek Muni Ji Maharaj; Dhyanacharya Dr. Ajay Jain; Mr. Sanjay Jain; and Marazban Nariman Zaiwalla, representing a wide spectrum of spiritual traditions and communities.

Their presence itself became a powerful message, showing how people from different faiths can come together with respect, openness and a shared desire for peace.

Sharing his reflections, Swami Chander Devji Maharaj, representing the Hindu tradition, said, “India is known for its unity in diversity, and this gathering is a true reflection of that spirit. When we come together, we learn to respect and understand the faith of others, and that is the foundation of peace.”

Sharing her reflections, Carmel M Tripathi, Director of the Baha’i Office of Public Affairs, said,

“This Interreligious Easter Celebration beautifully reflected how art can unite diverse faiths and nationalities, fostering peace, harmony and a shared sense of humanity.”

Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, representing the Buddhist tradition, expressed his appreciation, saying,

“I have known about these festivals for a long time, but this is the best opportunity to attend the Easter celebrations for global peace and to learn about their traditions and cultures. It is a great pleasure to attend this interreligious Easter celebration.”

Other religious leaders also shared similar views, noting that such gatherings strengthen mutual understanding and build bridges between communities, offering hope in a divided world.

Speaking during the event, organizers shared that the gathering was not just a programme but a sign of unity. Easter, the festival of hope, reminds us that light always overcomes darkness and that love is stronger than fear and division. The celebration also reflected the spirit of India’s Constitution, which gives every citizen the freedom to follow their faith while respecting the

beliefs of others.

In today’s world, the message of Easter invites us to become peacemakers and bridge builders. Celebrating this message in India, a land known for its deep spiritual roots and diversity, makes it even more meaningful.

Organizers also highlighted a simple but powerful idea that guides their work. Celebrating diversity means celebrating humanity. As they often say,

“Peace begins when we start celebrating the other.”

India, home to many religions and rich traditions, continues to show that it is possible to stay rooted in one’s own faith while appreciating the faith of others.

The celebration moved beyond words. Music, dance and cultural performances brought people together in a joyful and meaningful way. It reflected a beautiful truth

Art destroys egos and fosters harmony.

One of the most touching moments of the evening was when religious leaders and international

representatives stood together holding lights as a sign of unity and hope. It was a simple yet

powerful reminder that even in a divided world, people can come together and choose peace.

As we approach the year 2033, marking the Great Jubilee of Christianity and commemorating 2000 years of the Resurrection of Jesus, there is a growing vision for this to become a global celebration. Every Christian country is encouraged to celebrate Easter as the Faith Festival of all Christians, joyfully shared with people of other religions through cultural expressions of faith, hope and fraternity.

More than an event, the Interreligious Easter Celebration became a shared experience of hope, dialogue and togetherness. It showed that when people choose understanding over division, faith becomes a bridge that connects hearts and builds a more peaceful world.