It was a Good Friday with a difference.

As churches were closed due to the lockdown, people observed Good Friday at home. For the first time, people could not participate in the observance of Good Friday, which marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

But since Friday morning, some churches, like the Catholic and Presbyterian ones, arranged live telecast through local cable network of the service so that people could participate together from their homes. The service was also streamed live on YouTube.

Only a handful of people were seen with priests and pastors at some churches during the live broadcast.

The Shillong Archdiocese of the Catholic Church had appealed to its faithful to observe Good Friday at home. The church also gave guidelines on how to observe the day. In the evening, the Way of the Cross was telecast live.

There were many families across Meghalaya, which has a large Christian population, who took time to observe the day, which included reading from the Bible, and spending time in prayers.

Some citizens also took to YouTube to broadcast gospel songs and worship performed by them from their homes during the day. A few localities here wanted to use the community public address systems to conduct Good Friday services. However, the East Khasi Hills district administration said this was “not recommended”.

Several priests and pastors have said that it was for the first time in living memory that people could not come to participate in a Good Friday service.

In his message on Friday morning, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma said, “On this holy day, may His light guide your path. May His love grace your heart, and may His sacrifice strengthen your soul. Wishing all the Christian citizens of Meghalaya, a blessed Good Friday.”

He said: “Join us this Sunday at 6pm as Meghalaya unites to spread the message of love, hope and peace.”

For Saturday, the Catholic Church has made arrangements to broadcast the Easter Vigil Mass. On Sunday, the Catholic and Presbyterian Churches will telecast live the Easter Sunday services.