Palm Sunday resonates hope for displaced Kuki-Zo's joyous return to their villages

The harmonious chanting of "Hosannah" filled the vibrant Christian-dominated Kangpokpi town on Sunday as the Christian community observed 'Palm Sunday', commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

The Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, Willow Sunday, and Flower Sunday celebrations also reverberated hope for thousands of displaced Kuki-Zo's joyous return to their villages someday.

It is also an occasion that reflects the final week of Jesus Christ's life and it thus marks the beginning of the Holy Week, or the week leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a time for Christians to remember the agony of Christ and the joy of His resurrection.

Special Church services were held in all the churches in Kangpokpi town and Palm Sunday processions were taken out along the National Highway 2.

In the jubilant and colourful Palm Sunday procession organized by KBC Centre Church Kangpokpi, men and women, young and old, even small children tree branches and chanted, "Hosannah, Hosannah, Hosannah, to the son of David", "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord", and "Hosannah in the highest heaven".

A similar procession and chanting was also held by IBMC Kanggui Sunday school students and teachers.

Rev. Jamkhohao Haokip, Pastor of KBC Centre Church Kangpokpi said that Palm Sunday serves as a reminder of the dual nature of Jesus' kingship – both as a humble servant and as the exalted Son of God.

He also said that Palm Sunday invites believers to reflect on the true meaning of discipleship, following Jesus not only in moments of triumph but also in times of suffering and sacrifice.

Amidst the celebration, the Pastor said, there lingered a poignant reminder of the displaced Kuki-Zo in the ongoing violence in Manipur longing for home and the fervent prayers for a brighter future.

While articulating his profound sense of hope on the momentous occasion, the KBC Centre Church Kangpokpi Pastor said that just as Jesus Christ made a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, our displaced Kuki-Zo people, who leave their homes, abandoning their lands and traditional way of life will someday make a joyous journey back to their respective villages they dearly hold.

He then urged the Kuki-Zo people to pour their hearts into prayers, embodying a spirit of unity, and hope with a collective faith and devotion.