By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
New Delhi April 10, 2026: An interfaith Easter celebration in India highlighted the nation’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom, bringing together ambassadors, bishops, and leaders of diverse faith traditions in a powerful display of unity.
The April 8 event, titled Asha Ka Mahotsav (Celebration of Hope), underscored the core values of celebrating diversity and fostering interfaith respect.
Organized jointly by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Chavara Cultural Centre Delhi, the gathering at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre Auditorium drew prominent Christian leaders alongside representatives of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, Buddhist, Jain, Baháʼí, and Zoroastrian communities.
Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, president of the Indian Catholic bishops conference, inaugurated the event, describing Easter as “a universal festival of hope and resurrection that transcends religious boundaries.”
He reminded the audience of Christ’s words of forgiveness from the cross, urging all to embrace compassion and unconditional love.
Father Mathew Koyickal, CBCI deputy secretary general, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Easter, the festival of hope, reminds humanity that light always overcomes darkness and that love ultimately triumphs over fear and division.”
Diplomats join faith leaders in solidarity
The celebration was marked by the presence of ambassadors from more than a dozen nations, including Italy, Chile, Costa Rica, Malta, Paraguay, Peru, Timor-Leste, and Uruguay. Their participation underscored the global resonance of Easter’s message of reconciliation and peace.
A symbolic highlight of the evening came when ambassadors, bishops, and religious leaders stood together holding lamps as a sign of unity. The gathering joined in singing Michael Jackson’s Heal the World, reflecting a shared commitment to peace across nations and traditions.
Father Roby Kannamchirayil of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, director of Chavara Cultural Centre Delhi, emphasized India’s role as a model of coexistence: “Peace begins when we start celebrating the other. India, home to many religions and more than nine major faith traditions, continues to demonstrate how people can remain faithful to their own beliefs while respecting and appreciating the beliefs of others.”
Music, culture, and shared fellowship
The evening also celebrated cultural expressions as a language of peace. Performances by the Song City Band, Echoes of Grace Band, and the Christ University Choir inspired the audience, while dance presentations by students of St. Peter’s School, Faridabad, added vibrancy to the celebration.
The event concluded with a fellowship dinner, leaving participants with a renewed vision of unity. Organizers stressed that diversity is not a challenge but a gift, and that Easter’s message of hope calls humanity to build bridges across divisions.
As Cardinal Poola reminded the gathering, “The creation of a peaceful new world is in our hands.”
(Photo by Sean / CC BY-ND 2.0)