On this Good Friday 2025, Christians across the globe are observing a day of solemnity and remembrance to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Falling on the Friday before Easter Sunday, this significant day in the Christian faith is marked with prayers, fasting, and spiritual contemplation. Often referred to as Holy Friday, Great Friday, or Black Friday, the day carries deep religious importance, symbolising the immense sacrifice Jesus made for the salvation of humanity.

The crucifixion of Christ: A pivotal moment in Christian faith

According to the New Testament, Good Friday marks the day when Jesus was crucified by Roman authorities, following accusations of blasphemy by Jewish religious leaders. The Gospels recount that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion, an act that has come to represent the ultimate expression of love and sacrifice in Christian theology.

Believers reflect on this day with reverence, acknowledging the pain and suffering that Jesus endured at Calvary. The crucifixion is not only a symbol of sacrifice but also of hope, as it leads to the resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday.

Sharing messages of hope and faith

As people observe this sacred day, many reach out to loved ones with messages and prayers that reflect the solemnity and spiritual meaning of Good Friday. Here are some heartfelt wishes to share:

• May your heart be filled with kindness, joy and happiness. Sending my wishes on the holy occasion of Good Friday.
  
• May you and your loved ones be always showered with the choicest blessings of the Almighty.
  
• On the occasion of Good Friday, I hope that the Lord keeps you safe always and surrounds your life with happiness.
  
• When you lend a helping hand to others, you honour Jesus Christ and everything he stood for.
  
• May the light of the Lord’s love shine upon you. Sending warm wishes and blessings on Good Friday.
  
• Let us pray to Jesus Christ on this holy occasion of Good Friday and seek forgiveness for our sins.
  

Bible quotes to reflect on this Good Friday

• “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
  
• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
  
• “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”
  
• “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
  
• “In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice, rescue me.”
  

As the faithful gather to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, Good Friday serves as a poignant reminder of compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering faith.

Holi, one of India’s most vibrant and joyous festivals, will be celebrated on March 14, 2025. The festival, which marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, is observed on the Purnima (full moon) day of the Hindu month of Phalguna.

The festival kicks off with Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on March 13, 2025. This ritual involves lighting a bonfire, symbolizing the burning away of negativity. The following day, March 14, is celebrated as Holi, when people come together to play with colors, sing, dance, and enjoy festive gatherings.

Choti Holi (Holika Dahan) – March 13, 2025

Holika Dahan is a significant ritual that takes place on the night before Holi. This event commemorates the legend of Prahlad and Holika, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness. Community bonfires are lit to signify the end of evil and the ushering in of positivity and renewal.

• Purnima Tithi Begins – 10:35 AM on March 13, 2025
• Purnima Tithi Ends – 12:23 PM on March 14, 2025

Holi – March 14, 2025

The main celebration takes place the next day, where people across the country engage in playing with Gulaal (colored powders), music, dance, and festive feasts. Holi is especially grand in regions like Mathura and Vrindavan, which hold historical significance with Lord Krishna. Other cities like Jaipur, Pushkar, and Udaipur also host extravagant and tourist-friendly Holi celebrations.

Regional and Cultural Celebrations

Holi is celebrated with different traditions across India:

• Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, where women playfully beat men with sticks.
• Braj Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, deeply rooted in Krishna’s legends.
• Royal Holi in Rajasthan, where traditional festivities are accompanied by grand celebrations in palaces.

Holi 2025 is set to bring colors, joy, and festive spirit across India. With Choti Holi on March 13 and Holi on March 14, people will come together to spread happiness, enjoy delicious sweets, and celebrate the essence of togetherness.

Muslims worldwide are preparing to observe Ramadan 2025, a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which is expected to be observed on February 28, 2025, in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and the US. If confirmed, fasting will commence on March 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the moon sighting is anticipated on March 1, meaning Ramadan could begin on March 2 or March 3, depending on visibility.

Projected Sehri and Iftar timings in major Indian cities for March 1, 2025

These timings are subject to change, so it is advisable to confirm with local mosques for precise timings.

Ramadan: A time for spiritual reflection and unity

Ramadan holds deep significance for Muslims, fostering self-discipline, patience, and gratitude. It also strengthens community bonds through special prayers, charitable acts, and shared meals. In India, Ramadan is marked by vibrant cultural traditions, including diverse regional cuisines and communal gatherings, promoting a spirit of unity and spiritual renewal.

As the month approaches, families begin preparations for Sehri and Iftar meals, often including traditional delicacies such as dates, kebabs, biryanis, and sweets like phirni and sheer kurma.

Muslims worldwide look forward to this blessed period of fasting and worship, embracing the teachings of compassion and generosity that define Ramadan.