Easter Celebration 2023

Inter-Religious – Ecumenical Easter Celebration 2023

 “Celebration of Hope – A Faith Festival of All Christians with Music and Dance” 

 9 April 2023 | Western Court, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Organised by Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi

On 9 April 2023, the Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi organised the Inter-Religious – Ecumenical Easter Celebration 2023 at Western Court, Connaught Place, New Delhi, under the inspiring theme “Celebration of Hope – A Faith Festival of All Christians with Music and Dance.” The event commemorated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolising victory over sin and death, and reaffirmed the message of renewal, unity, and peace in a pluralistic society. In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, highlighted Easter as a shared faith festival of Christians and a universal proclamation of hope for all humanity. The celebration meaningfully drew parallels between Lenten observances and other fasting traditions such as Navratri and Ramadan, underscoring the shared spiritual values of sacrifice, prayer, and renewal across religions.

The programme was graced by eminent dignitaries and interreligious leaders including Alphonse Joseph, Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Rev. Fr. Paul Moonjelil, M.S. Oberoi, Ambassador K.P. Fabian, Dr. Shibu Rahman, Vivek Muniji Maharaj, Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar, Dr. Maulana Kalbe Rusheth Risvi, Carmel Tripati, Maharaji, Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Advocate Anthony Judy, Dr. A.K. Merchant, George Kallivayalil, and Advocate Saju Jacob. Each speaker offered profound reflections on unity, coexistence, compassion, and the universal call to peace, affirming that despite doctrinal differences, all faith traditions guide humanity toward love, justice, and mutual respect.

A special highlight of the event was the symbolic Easter Egg Breaking Ceremony, representing new life, resurrection, and renewed hope. Around 60–70 youth actively animated the celebration, serving as Masters of Ceremony and leading the cultural dance and music segments. Their vibrant participation brought energy, creativity, and youthful enthusiasm to the event. The programme featured lively cultural performances and was further enriched by a live music band, transforming the gathering into a joyful festival of faith, art, and fellowship.

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Fr. Paul Jacob, followed by a group photograph and Easter brunch, fostering deeper fellowship among leaders and representatives of diverse faith communities. The Inter-Religious – Ecumenical Easter Celebration 2023 once again affirmed the Chavara Cultural Centre’s commitment to building bridges of understanding and celebrating faith as a powerful instrument of hope, harmony, and shared humanity.