Easter will be celebrated on April 5, 2026. Known as Easter Sunday, it is one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar. In the sections ahead, we’ll explore what Easter represents, why it is always observed on a Sunday, and how its date is determined each year. We’ll also look at the origins of beloved traditions like the Easter egg and the Easter bunny. For children around the world, especially in Western and predominantly Christian countries, Easter is a joyful time filled with celebrations.

What is Easter all about?

In India and across the world, many Christians observe a 40-day period of fasting and reflection known as Lent, which culminates in the celebration of Easter Sunday. This joyful occasion is marked by new clothes, festive meals, Easter eggs, and the iconic Easter bunny, as families come together to share wishes and celebrate. Easter signifies the culmination of the Holy Week, also called the Passion Week, in the life of Jesus Christ.

The week begins with Maundy Thursday, when, according to the Bible, Jesus shared his final meal, known as the Passover Supper, with his disciples. That same night, he was betrayed by one of his twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot, for thirty pieces of silver. The following day, Good Friday, commemorates the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, who, despite finding no proven charges against him, sentenced him to death under public pressure.

Jesus was then made to carry his cross to Mount Golgotha, where he was crucified and left to die at the age of 33. His death is believed by Christians to be a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. According to biblical teachings, he rose again on the third day, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday, fulfilling longstanding prophecy.

Easter, therefore, is a celebration of hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death. Alongside its religious significance, it is also associated with traditions such as Easter eggs and the Easter bunny, symbolizing new life and joy.

Why does the date of Easter change every year?

In 725 AD, the Anglo-Saxons used the Germanic term “Eostre Monath” to refer to the month corresponding to April. According to the early historian Bede, this name was derived from Eostre, or Ostara, a spring goddess associated with renewal and fertility. This connection helps explain why symbols such as the Easter egg and the Easter bunny became linked to the festival, and why Easter often falls close to the spring equinox.

Calculating the date

Early Christians followed a lunar-based system, often marking the start of a new day from evening or moonrise. In the Jewish tradition, Passover is observed on the 14th day of the spring month of Nisan. Based on this, Easter came to be celebrated on the Sunday closest to that time, linking it closely with Passover.

In the years following the death of Jesus, different Christian communities observed Easter on varying dates. To bring greater consistency, calendar reforms were later introduced across the Roman Empire, eventually leading to the adoption of a more standardized system. Differences between solar and lunar calculations, along with the fact that a solar year is approximately 365¼ days, contributed to these variations.

Most scholars agree that Easter is determined in relation to the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full moon after the spring equinox. Easter Sunday is then observed on the following Sunday. Because lunar cycles and their observation can vary across regions and time zones, the exact date of Easter changes from year to year.

This blend of lunar timing and seasonal change also connects Easter with symbols of renewal, such as eggs and the Easter bunny, which reflect themes of new life and rebirth.

The Symbols of Easter

The Easter Bunny and the Easter Egg are symbols used in the Western world to signify Easter wishes and the fertility of the Goddess. Pagan customs also include watching the Easter sunrise, celebrating the Passover by actual crucifixion, lighting vigil candles till Easter Sunday, and having bonfires. A German answer to the colourful Easter eggs is to say the Easter Bunny laid them. Now, bunnies are not born of candy-filled eggs!

Where to enjoy the Easter Festivities?

Easter is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Goa and parts of northeastern India. In Goa, the day begins with church services, where people gather to pray and exchange greetings after the mass. Homes and streets are brightened with colorful lanterns, and the celebrations continue with festive lunches, dinners, and lively gatherings. In Panjim, the Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is beautifully decorated and illuminated, creating a striking празднич atmosphere.

One of the most moving traditions is the re-enactment of the Way of the Cross, which draws large crowds. Churches see hundreds of devotees attending special masses, while beach shacks and restaurants host vibrant Easter weekend parties with curated menus and entertainment.

Around the same time, Goa also hosts unique cultural events such as the Cashew Trail, the Konkan Fruit Fest, and the FabLab Show, adding even more variety to the festive experience.

If you are planning to be part of these celebrations, April is a great time to visit Goa. As it falls just outside the peak tourist season, you can often find better deals and a more relaxed atmosphere. Booking your bus tickets through redBus makes travel simple and convenient, whether you are heading to Goa or exploring local sightseeing options.

To conclude, Easter is a joyful festival filled with flowers, festive treats like Easter eggs and bunnies, shared meals, warm wishes, and cherished time with family. With redBus, planning your Easter holiday travel across India becomes easy, affordable, and well-organized, giving you access to routes, schedules, and real-time updates all in one place.