Holding blessed palm fronds in their hands, the devotees, irrespective of age barriers, took out processions in villages and towns.Thiruvananthapuram: Christians in Kerala Sunday observed the Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem ahead of his crucifixion and resurrection, marking the beginning of the Holy Week.
Faithful congregated in churches of various Christian denominations across the state and took out processions carrying branches of palm, symbolizing the reception given to Jesus when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.
Holding blessed palm fronds in their hands, the devotees, irrespective of age barriers, also took out processions in villages and towns. According to the Christian belief, 'Palm Sunday', known as 'oshana njayar' in local parlance, is observed to mark the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem where people greeted him by waving palm branches.
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
Believers celebrate Palm Sunday with processions and holy mass on Sunday. Palm Sunday is the day Christians commemorate the triumphant entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Photo: Rinkuraj Mattancheriyil
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
Thousands of devotees with palm leaves gather at different churches to take part in the processions. Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
The event took place prior to the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and therefore begins the holy week celebrations. Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
Palms represent the palm fronds the crowd scattered in front of Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem. Photo: Rinkuraj Mattancheriyil
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
The churches across Kerala will reverberate with the prayerful chant of 'Hosanna' on Palm Sunday. Photo: Rahul R Pattom
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
Traditionally representing victory and glory, the palm leaves come to represent the glory of Jesus Christ. Photo: Rahul R Pattom
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
Known as 'Kuruthola perunal' or 'the Osana (Hosanna) perunal,' the Palm Sunday is celebrated with a religious fervor by one and all. Photo: Rahul R Pattom
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
The followers chanted the word 'Hosanna', which in Aramaic means to 'save' as Jesus passed through the streets of Jerusalem. Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
Some congregations in Kerala keep this palm frond at home and burn it on Ash Wednesday next year. Photo: Rinkuraj Mattancheriyil
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
In many churches across the world, the palm leaf is twisted into the shape of a cross to commemorate the day. Photo: Rinkuraj Mattancheriyil
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A time to sing 'Hosanna'
It also marks the start of the Holy Week for those who profess the Christian faith across the globe. Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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The faithful will observe fast and hold special prayers in the next week till Easter Sunday on April 16, marking Christ's resurrection after crucifixion on April 14, Good Friday.
