All Saints' Day

All Saints Day History

All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, is a Christian festival celebrated on November 1st in honour of all the saints of the church, both known and unknown. This occasion aims to remember and respect the virtuous deeds and sacrifices of the saints who have attained heaven. The celebration involves attending church services, lighting candles on the graves of the dead, and offering prayers for the deceased. All Saints' Day provides an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the lives and lessons of these holy individuals, instilling a sense of respect and humility, and seek inspiration from their deeds for a more righteous way of living.

All Saints' Day's origin dates back to the early 7th century, when Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon in Rome, dedicating it to the Virgin Mary and all Christian martyrs. Over the centuries, it was gradually extended to commemorate all the saints in the church. In India, All Saints' Day holds significance, particularly among the Christian community, which constitutes about 2.3% of the country's population. Many Indians believe that the values and teachings of these saints help promote peace, love, and unity among different communities, which are essential for a diverse country like India.

In India, All Saints' Day is observed by attending special church services and paying homage to saints' relics in churches. Apart from praying for the saints, people also remember their deceased loved ones by lighting candles on their graves and offering flowers. The celebration is marked by a solemn and quiet atmosphere as people offer prayers and seek blessings from these revered individuals. Though All Saints' Day occurs on November 1st, the Eastern Orthodox Church in India, such as the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, observes this day on the first Sunday after Pentecost, emphasizing the unity between the saints and the living members of the church.

All Saints' Day facts

• In the early church, each martyr was celebrated on the anniversary on his or her death. Over time, churches began combining these observances and ultimately ended up with one day to honor all of them.
• All Saints Day is an observation held by both Protestant and Roman Catholic churches on November 1. A similar holy day, called the Sunday of All Saints, occurs in the Orthodox Church on the first Sunday after the Feast of Holy Pentecost.
• While Christianity is a minority religion in India, constituting around 2% of the population, there are around 30 million Christians who celebrate All Saints' Day. The states with the largest Christian populations include Kerala, Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
• It is common to prepare and distribute a sweet dish called kozhukkatta to friends, family, and the less fortunate as a means of sharing joy on this day.

In the News and Trending in India for All Saints' Day

Top things to do in India for All Saints' Day

• Go to church and light a candle for your departed loved ones. This is common for All Saints Day as a way to commemorate relatives and loved ones who have died during the previous year.
• All Saints Day also commemorates saints that are unknown to us. Honor a deceased person that may have contributed positively to society or your life.
• Create a peaceful atmosphere by lighting candles in your home. You can place them on a small shrine or a designated area to honor the saints.
• Prepare a traditional Indian meal or your favorite dishes to share with your family or loved ones. This can be a way to celebrate and appreciate the abundance of life and the saints who enrich our own lives.