Holy Week and Easter in Nepal

During Holy Week, we hold special services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, where all three congregations gather at different times. The Baneshwor church service takes place at 4:00pm, while a combined service for Khokona and Chyasikot congregations is held at 6:30pm at the Khokona church.

The Maundy Thursday and Good Friday service includes reflections on the Word of God, focusing on the narrative of the Upper Room gathering and Communion and reading from Good Friday. The service features hymns and Holy Communion, and at times, foot washing is also conducted. Pastors and leaders often lead this symbolic act by washing the feet of congregation members who feel comfortable participating. This practice has been deeply meaningful, serving as a humbling reminder of Christ's example of servanthood when He washed His disciples' feet.

Easter in Nepal

Easter in Nepal is an ecumenical event, bringing together believers from various denominations in a grand celebration. Each year, we join a city-wide procession with fellow brothers and sisters, walking through the streets of the Kathmandu Valley. We carry banners and hoarding boards displaying resurrection quotes while singing songs of victory. The joyful sound of guitars, the Madal (a traditional drum), the flute, and other folk instruments fill the air, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the Israelites marching around the walls of Jericho. This public celebration, despite cultural and social challenges, is a powerful declaration of faith, drawing over 20,000 people to a common venue.

If we do not participate in the Easter rally in a given year, we organise our own Moravian Easter service at the church. The Moravian Worship Band leads us in praise and worship hymns during a combined service, followed by a potluck meal featuring special dishes from various ethnic groups. This day is filled with joy and anticipation as we come together to celebrate the hope and victory of Christ's resurrection.

Br Shanti Pradhan

Nepal