Thiruvananthapuram (PTI):Christians in Kerala on Sunday celebrated Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion on Good Friday.

The faithful assembled in large numbers for special prayers in churches across the state where senior bishops and the clergy gave Easter message of hope, peace and devotion.

Head of Syro Malabar Catholic Church Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil led the mass at the St Mary's Basilica in Kochi.

In the state capital, the devout congregated in large numbers at the St Joseph's Cathedral of the Latin Catholic hierarchy and the shrines of other denomination.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and leaders of all political parties greeted people on the occasion.