Patna: Around 4,500 people thronged the Queen of Apostles Church in Kurji on Sunday morning to celebrate Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of the Holy Week for Christians.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ's arrival in Jerusalem when people greeted him waving palm leaves.

The celebrations at the Queen of Apostles Church started with a gathering of devotees at the St Michael's High School's primary school ground at 5.30am.

Later, devotees carried palm leaves in a procession. The celebrations ended with a morning mass.

Parish priest of the church, Father Johnson Kelakath, said: "The Holy Week celebrations begins with Palm Sunday. The Thursday of the Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday. It commemorates the Last Supper of Christ with the Apostles. During this meal, he washed the feet of his disciples and gave the example of service and love. He also established the Eucharist and Priesthood on this day.

He added: "All these things would be commemorated on Maundy Thursday and then it will be followed by Good Friday. That day, it is fasting and pain for all of us. People don't know and they wish us Happy Good Friday, but we observe it, not celebrate it. Easter is the date of the resurrection. That is the most important feast for Christians."

Palm Sunday celebrations were similar at other city churches, including Padri Ki Haveli in Patna City, and Believers Church. Around 500 people took part in a procession holding palm leaves.

The procession started from in front of Guru Gobind Singh Hospital and concluded at Padri Ki Haveli. Father Suresh Xaxa, Father Lalit, Missionaries of Charity sisters and Parish council members were present on the occasion.

Abhishek Patrick, a member of the Parish Council, explained: "The 40 day-Lent period will end on Easter. Throughout the Lent period, we are on fast. We don't consume non-vegetarian food, some people also give up their favourite things in this period. On Easter, we will end our fast and celebrate."