Good Friday and Easter

13

Keeps out previous suggestions about introduction of democracy

(8)

Prolixity in obits? Very inappropriate! (9)

Surveys to cut upperclass taxes (5)

Guerrilla tactics to hold back any which way (2,3)

Pitch in exact point about things to be accomplished (22,5) Special, large power supply circuits organised to reverse traffic jams (53)

Banks in control and constantly perceptive (6)

Clear description of Company chairperson's position, perhaps?

(55)

Opening in starboard on Hector's barge (4)

Infamous despot, provided refuge by Omani maid, is making a comeback (3,4)

Slander, according to some, lacking substance (7)

Capital's magical ... and you end in paradise (7)

Luxury car with ultimate in stereo sound (5)

New bags for mugs (7)

Bully Avtaar is carrying raised stick (6)

Trimmed Hibiscus chain evenly set out in Japanese decoration

material (9)

Peak is most demanding with summit obscured (7)

Worries picked up by model amidst a long, unending spell of concentration (9,4)

London suburb reached through European capital first, after bypassing Germany (9)

Spooner folded Edward's camp cot (4,3)

Instructions to computers hidden in poems by wacky cop (7) Short photo set customised for crème de la crème (3,4)

"Mother India" captivates retired sailor in Bollywood location (6) Follow tennis Queen regularly (5)

Solution to previous puzzle

Solution to yesterday’s Sudoku

Good Friday is a sombre commemoration of the day Jesus Christ the saviour was crucified. He was crowned with thorns, condemned to death, carried the burden of the cross and was crucified between two thieves, according to gospel narratives. Goof Friday is observed as a day of fasting and sorrow described in the German word, karfreitag, loosely translated as mourning Friday, said Prof. Kumool Abbi.

Good Friday consists of reading of the gospel, the passion narrative, adoration of the cross and holy communion. The history of salvation is commemorated: Lord Jesus Christ, through His redemptive suffering takes away the sins of the world. The assurance of the divine covenant, the certitude and promise of the love of God is rejuvenated.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. The earliest recorded observation of Easter comes from second century. Venerable Bede propounded the view that Easter was derived from eostrae, the Anglo Saxon Goddess of spring and fertility. The Council of Nicaea decreed in 325 AD that Easter be observed on the first Sunday, following the first full moon, after Spring Equinox. In 1955, the Roman Catholic Church set the time for Easter vigil at Easter mass at midnight.