Shillong, Nov 2: Flowers, candles and prayers rekindled the bond of eternal love between
the living and the ‘dear departed’ at gravesides in Shillong on All
Souls’ Day on Friday.
The otherwise solemn atmosphere in the graveyards looked festive on this day
every year with Roman Catholic Christians thronging the tombs of their near and
dear ones.
“All Souls’ Day is observed to commemorate the faithful departed or baptized
Christians,” said a priest at a cemetery at Arbuthnot Road in the city. “In fact,
all over the country, Christians pay homage to the departed souls on this day,” he
added.
Besides the Roman Catholics, other Catholic Churches also observed the day. Colourful flowers, petals and garlands adorn tombstones and crosses, even as music
and hymns reverberate through the air while innumerous candles lit up the evening
in solemn remembrance.
“The significance of celebrating this day is to make sure that the souls of those who have died reach heaven,” says a priest.
“I have come along with my family to visit the graveyard of our grandfather, who
passed away over a decade ago but his loving memory is still etched in our
hearts,” says Daniel, dressed in an immaculate dark suit even as his fairy-like
young daughter arranges flowers and candles over the tombstone of their departed
family patriarch.
History has it that Odilo, abbot of Clunny, started the custom of All Souls’ Day in the eleventh century.
The day purposely follows All Saints’ Day in order to shift the focus from those
in heaven to those in purgatory. On this day, three requiem masses are celebrated:
one for the celebrant, one for the departed, and one for the pope.
In cosmopolitan Shillong, besides the Christian faithful, people from other
communities too visit cemeteries on this day to observe the soulful celebrations.
“I make it a point to visit the graveyard on All Souls’ Day every year as the
celebrations are truly poignant and holy,” says an elderly Hindu lady, accompanied
by her friends.- By Our Reporter
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