Peace procession taken out on Palm Sunday

The Christian community took out a ‘Palm Sunday Peace Procession’ under the auspices of the Diocese of Amritsar (DoA), Church of North India (CNI), on Palm Sunday, which is celebrated every year as ‘Peace Day’.

The march aimed to spread a message of peace and hope, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds in a shared commitment to fostering harmony and understanding in the face of adversity. Carrying palm branches and crosses made from palm leaves, devotees marched through the streets of the city, proclaiming “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” The event was preceded by special worship services at churches of the diocese in various locations, including Amritsar, Ajnala, Batala, Khem Karan, Tarn Taran, Attari and Bhindi Saidan.

After the services, members of the churches, led by local conveners, participated in smaller processions that eventually merged into the main procession starting from St Paul’s Church on Court Road.

Right Reverend Manoj Charan, Bishop of the DoA, CNI, explained that Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem before His crucifixion on Good Friday. “In keeping with this tradition, we hold a Palm Sunday procession with palm branches and we observe the day as ‘Peace Day’ each year to pray for global peace,” he said. Discussing the purpose of the ‘Peace March’, Bishop Manoj Charan emphasised that beyond the traditional celebration of Palm Sunday, the event aimed to offer solidarity to the suffering humanity, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggles and that prayers are being offered for them daily.

Daniel B Das, Secretary, ADTA, Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India, and convener of Palm Sunday Peace March Organising Committee, highlighted the diocese’s ongoing efforts to promote peace through its welfare initiatives.

Punjab