Good Friday is observed in India between 21st March and 20th April, broadly on the pattern adopted worldwide. Christians from all strata’s of society visit the Church to attend the Mass held on this occasion. Easter Sunday, which follows Good Friday, is celebrated with much joy and gaiety. Processions are taken out in some parts of the country.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Marked with prayers, fasts and penance, it is a day of repentance for Christians. Observed on the Friday just before Easter, it is a public holiday in India. Originally known as 'God's Friday', the present expression is believed to have emerged during the 10th or 11th century. 

According to Christian belief, Jesus Christ hailed from Nazareth, a town in modern Israel. A well-loved and respected citizen, he was considered by many to be the Son of God. Some high officials and Jewish priests however felt that he was trying to usurp their authority and mislead the people. They hatched a plot against Christ with the help of one of his 12 apostles, named Judas. On charges of misleading the people, of instigating them not to pay taxes to the emperor, and of claiming to be the messenger of god, they arrested Christ. The following day, he was produced before a council comprising of priests, the teachers of law and elders, and questioned about the charges against him.. Finding him guilty on all counts he was sentenced to death by crucifixion. As he was led away by the soldiers, he was made to wear a crown of thorns and mockingly addressed as 'King of the Jews' by the jeering crowd. A huge wooden cross was placed on his shoulders. 

A group of his followers marched in a procession behind him, in a show of solidarity. Two criminals were also led to the same place to be put to death with Jesus. At the assigned place, the three men were nailed to the crosses and left to die. Jesus is believed to have died on the cross in the afternoon of Good Friday.

It is believed that he rose from his grave on the following Sunday, which is celebrated as Easter. The rituals for Good Friday commence on the preceding Thursday. A feast symbolising the last supper of Christ is held on Thursday night. The end of this meal marks the beginning of the fast for Easter. Among some sects of the Syrian Orthodox Christians, the Good Friday liturgy begins at midnight on Thursday, but for all other Christians it starts on Friday morning. A plank of wood, representing the cross on which Christ was crucified is displayed in churches for the veneration of believers. One by one, they come and kiss it. This is followed by a service from noon to 3 o'clock, in which narratives from the four Gospels are read out. Sermons, meditation and prayers form part of the ceremony, in memory of the suffering endured by Jesus Christ for three hours. This is followed by a general communion service at midnight. In some churches, mourners wearing black move in a procession with an image of Christ, and a ceremonial burial takes place. A day of prayer and penance, the bells of the churches remain silent on Good Friday.