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Keeping it simple

Good Friday
Last Updated 24 March 2016, 18:30 IST

It’s that time of the year to give up all luxury and focus on simplicity. As another Good Friday arrives, people are taking time off their busy schedules to go to church. The week preceding it people fast or simply subsist on hot cross buns and water. 

The concept of Good Friday means different things to different people. Actor Sharmiela Mandre makes it a point to return home before Good Friday and spend time with her family. 

“Most of the day is spent in the church. On Good Friday, I give up almost everything, that I really like from meat to chocolates,” says Sharmiela. She has been brought up in this tradition and continues to follow it till date. “My mother brings the family together and is particular that no matter how busy we are we have to be home on Good Friday.” 

Youngsters too join the elders in following the tradition and don’t break it no matter what the temptation. Michelle Wells has given up eating non-vegetarian food for 40 days. “I also don’t watch television or listen to music and move away from the routine on these days. I have hot cross buns and sometimes, only a glass of water. It’s almost like fasting on the day,” she says.  

Some people think the season of Lent is a test of one’s dedication and commitment to sacrificing anything that is dear to them. Oshin Varghese and her best friend Saniya Raza have resolved to follow the season of Lent this year. “It takes a lot of discipline, dedication and commitment to give up what we like. This year, Saniya and I have given up meat, chocolates, cream biscuits, aerated drinks and fast food,” says Oshin. She also says that she decided to follow the Lent after seeing her mother stick to the tradition over the years. “I can’t do it the way my mother does but every year, I have tried to give up something that I like and the list has only grown since,” she adds.  She says that the 40-day Lent is a good way to cleanse the system and serves as a good detox measure. 

Most churches across the City have services throughout the day and there are no less than 4,000 people in St Mary’s Basilica and Infant Jesus Shrine for each mass. Rev Dr Sham P Thomas, vicar, Mar Thoma Syrian Church, says, “There are more than 2,000 people for our service. Good Friday reminds one of the sacrifices made for a better world.”  He says that most people spend the day introspecting and praying. 

There are also those who choose to travel to their hometown for Good Friday and Easter. Amal G, who works with the telecom sector, makes it a point to be home for Good Friday every year. “I have never stayed away from home on a Good Friday. The day begins with the church service. For lunch, at the church, we have rice gruel with green gram in mud pots. We fast the rest of the day.” He says there are skits and sermons throughout the day in the church on Good Friday. St Mary’s Basilica
* Service in English - 8 am * Kannada - 9.30 am and 3.30 pm* Tamil - 11 am   St Mark’s Cathedral  * Children’s service - 9.30 am  * Seven words on the Cross - 12 noon  

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(Published 24 March 2016, 17:35 IST)

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