Kolkata: In Kolkata, where a significant Christian community resides, Palm Sunday marked the beginning of Holy Week with solemn devotion and community participation across churches. At St Teresa’s Church, Moulali, the occasion was observed with a traditional procession that moved from the parish hall to the church, symbolising the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.Masses were held in Bengali and English, both in the morning and in the evening. Father Naveen Tauro, a priest serving at St Teresa’s, noted that Palm Sunday holds special importance as it marks the start of Holy Week. He highlighted that while many may not attend church regularly throughout the year, this period sees a remarkable turnout, with churches filled to capacity as people come together in faith and unity. On Sunday morning, churches across the city witnessed large gatherings as devotees attended the Palm Sunday Mass, the final Sunday service before Good Friday. Members of the community emphasised the spiritual significance of the day, describing it as a time of reflection, remembrance, and collective prayer, setting the tone for the deeply sacred days leading up to Easter. At St Andrew’s Church, Presbyter-in-charge Revd Dr Swarup Bar stated that Holy Week is a period of preparation leading up to Good Friday. He noted that from the beginning of the week, devotees gather daily at the church to pray and take part in religious observances. A resident of Entally, Prerna Singh, said that Palm Sunday marks the final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week, acting as a bridge between the 40-day penitential season and the solemnity of Easter. Sharing observations from St George’s Church (CNI), she noted that the head priest’s attire changes with the liturgical calendar—red on Palm Sunday, black on Good Friday, and purple on Easter and other joyous occasions, instead of the usual white. The early part of the week—Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday—serves as a period of preparation, where believers engage in prayer and introspection. This spiritual journey then moves towards Maundy Thursday, which recalls the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples, symbolising the institution of Holy Communion and the values of humility and service.The solemnity intensifies on Good Friday, a day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity. It is observed with fasting, prayers, and remembrance of suffering and redemption. The week culminates in Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day stands as a powerful symbol of victory over death and the promise of eternal life, bringing a message of hope, renewal, and faith to millions of believers around the world. St Xavier’s College principal Fr Dominic Savio said, “On Palm Sunday, we witness Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Despite knowing that suffering awaited Him, Jesus rode into the city with joy and determination. We are called to realise Jesus’ suffering is a powerful reminder that our struggles and hardships are opportunities for growth. We are not just passive bystanders but active participants in our life journey.” The observance concludes with the preservation of palm leaves, which are kept throughout the year by the faithful. As these palms are blessed on Palm Sunday, they become sacramentals—sacred objects that serve as a reminder of faith and are often placed behind crucifixes or inside Bibles for protection and blessing. They are later collected and burned to prepare ashes for Ash Wednesday, symbolising the cycle of Christian life from praise to repentance and renewal. On the occasion, community initiatives such as blood donation drives, charity, and distribution of clothes to the underprivileged were also undertaken, extending the spirit of the day beyond ritual into social responsibility.
