Members of the Dibrugarh Inter Church Forum (DICF) gathered at the historic Christian Cemetery near India Club in Dibrugarh on Sunday to observe All Souls’ Day, a Christian tradition dedicated to remembering and praying for departed souls. The congregation held prayers over tombs and lit candles in memory of the deceased, particularly those believed to be in purgatory awaiting entry into heaven.
DICF, a united body representing various Christian denominations including Catholics, Baptists, Church of North India (CNI), Church of Jesus Christ, and Kuki Fellowship, organised the commemoration. Christians worldwide observe this day annually to honour those who have passed, reflect on life and death, and renew spiritual bonds with the deceased through prayer, remembrance, and acts of mercy.
The prayer service was conducted by Denis Bird, President of DICF. Fr Gabriel Kujur, Assistant Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Dibrugarh, initiated the opening prayer, while Rev. Noeldeep Swargiary of CNI Church shared reflections on a Bible passage.
“This day reminds us of our spiritual connection with those who have departed and our duty to pray for their souls,” Fr Joy Pallikunel, senior priest of the Catholic Diocese of Dibrugarh, stated as he led the prayers for all departed souls.
Following the service, members lit candles on the tombs, though many graves remain covered by dense vegetation, creepers, and shrubs. Additional prayers were scheduled to be held at the Paltan Bazar Cemetery at 2 pm.
All Souls’ Day, also known as The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is the third day of Allhallowtide in Western Christianity, following All Saints’ Day and All Hallows’ Eve. The observance traditionally includes attending Mass for departed souls and visiting graveyards to pray and decorate family graves with garlands, flowers, candles, and incense.
Given the interdenominational nature of many Christian cemeteries, All Souls’ Day observances often feature an ecumenical dimension, with believers from various Christian traditions praying together and collaborating to adorn graves in remembrance of their loved ones.
