Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 5: With a strict lockdown imposed over the spread of novel coronavirus, Palm Sunday was observed within closed doors in the city.

Churches across the city wore a deserted look as faithful remained in their homes. Church services have been suspended till April 14.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week for the Christian community. The Week culminates with Easter Sunday.

However, the Palm Sunday service was available online and livestreamed.

Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha conducted the Palm Sunday Mass at Rosario Cathedral, which was beamed live on daijiworld website as well as Daijiworld Television.

Konkani Mass offered by Fr Abraham D'Souza at Divine Call Centre, Mulky is also being webcast on daijiworld from 10.30 am.

At 5 pm, Mass led by Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will be webcast on daijiworld website and telecast on Daijiworld Television.

The Palm Sunday service is to commemorate Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem, when palm branches were laid out on his path, before his arrest and crucifixion on Good Friday.

This event is usually enacted in several places on the roads, when devotees with freshly cut coconut leaves in hands walk saying prayers and singing hymns. However, this year, the public rituals had to be cancelled in the wake of the lockdown.