KARACHI: Easter was celebrated by Christians all over the city on Sunday. In contrast to the solemn Good Friday observation, it was a day to rejoice. The official celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ began in all the churches of the city at midnight with the Easter vigil.

A big paschal candle was blessed and lit from the paschal fire at the St Patrick`s Cathedral by the Archbishop of Karachi Benny Mario Travas. Then others lit their candles from the church candle. `Wake up and give thanks to the Almighty for resurrecting Jesus,` the Archbishop addressed the people.

He prayed that Jesus Christ protect all humanity from evil. `May the light of Jesus take away the darkness from our hearts and minds,` he said as he blessed the paschal candle.

The night was referred to as a mubarak shab [blessed night]. The midnight mass was very well attended.

The service was held in the big yard just behind the cathedral. It was bilingual, in Urdu and English.

The Easter vigil also marked the end of the Lenten season and the 40 days of fasting. Happy hymns were sung by the church choir and the senior priests of the parish on the joyful and sacred occasion. There were also readings from the Bible of passages about the creation of the world and plant and animal life before He created the greatest of beings, human beings.

Throughout Sunday, Christians attended services at their churches.

Everyone wore nice and new clothes. Bakeries around Saddar offered Easter eggs prepared specially for the day. The eggs are hallow with more sweets and toys inside.

Many of the treats and toys were also in the shape of the cute Easter Bunny, which also signifies renewal of life like the Easter eggs.