Christians across the city observed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the occasion of Good Friday by holding special prayers at the city churches.

The prayer services to observe the crucifixion of the Christ included reading of Gospel passages and veneration of the Holy Cross.

Way of the Cross - an enactment of Jesus's journey through the streets of Jerusalem, while carrying his Cross to the site of his crucifixion at Calvary - was also held at most churches.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar, for the first time, participated in the Good Friday prayer services at Padri ki haveli Church in Patna City on Friday evening.

At Kurji, around 2,000 devotees participated in the early morning enactment of Way of the Cross (Cross Yatra) procession, starting from Loyola High School at 6.30am.

After the procession arrived at the parish at Queen of Apostles Church in front of St Michael's High School, Passion of Christ - the depiction of the last 12 hours in the life of Christ - was enacted on the stage, followed by a prayer tableau.

"The Way of the Cross reminds the faithful how much the Lord suffered for humanity. Jesus, the son of God came into the world with the message of peace and love. He taught the world a new way of being. The last one week in the life of Christ on earth as a human is commemorated by the Christians all the over the world as the Holy Week. It begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday or the Passion Sunday (held on last Sunday) and Good Friday is observed to mark the crucifixion of the Lord," said Father Johnson Kelakath, Parish Priest at Queen of Apostle Church.

At St Joseph's Pro Cathedral, Bankipore parish, devotees took out the Way of the Cross procession at St Joseph's Convent High School ground at 3.45pm. Father Jerome Dungdung, head of the Parish, along with other members, carried the cross across the different station, while the devotees read the prayers.

Afternoon prayers were held at other city churches as well, wherein all priests in red vestments prostrated and prayed in front of the bare alter. Devotional address, procession, adoration of the cross and evening vigils marked the Good Friday prayer service at Padri ki haveli church and other parishes in Patna as well.

Most Catholics observed strict fasting. "It is a day to mourn the death of Jesus Christ. People speak in low voices in the house and no celebration of any kind is held. Alike all Fridays during holy Lent season, Catholics abstain from meat on Good Friday as well. We would continue to mourn on Saturday as well and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus the next day (Easter Sunday)," said Father Devasia, the public relations officer at St Joseph's Pro Cathedral.