Thiruvananthapuram | The Christian community in Kerala observed 'Good Friday' in accordance with traditional customs and beliefs as various party candidates, in the upcoming Assembly polls, extended greetings and visited churches on the occasion.

Leader of Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan, who is contesting from the Paravur assembly seat, extended Good Friday greetings in a Facebook post, while Congress' Vattiyoorkavu candidate K Muraleedharan took part in a 'Way of Cross' procession in the state capital.

State Water Resources Minister and Kerala Congress (M) leader Roshy Augustine, who is contesting from the Idukki assembly constituency, climbed the Malayattoor hills in Ernakulam district, atop which the famed St Thomas church is located.

Not just Augustine, thousands of devotees also climbed the Malayattoor hills as the Christian community in the state shunned all luxuries and physical comforts and attended special prayers in churches on the occasion.

Believers were seen climbing the hills bearing wooden-crosses of varying sizes on their shoulders and hands.

The hill is believed to be visited by Apostle St Thomas in AD 52.

Church leaders called for peace in the world in their messages on the occasion.

Devotees, who congregated in large numbers in churches since morning to take part in various rituals, remembered the sufferings undergone by Jesus Christ 2000 years ago and his crucifixion.

Cutting across denominations, 'Good Friday' services were held in the majority of churches in the southern state.

Hundreds of people walked bearing wooden crosses commemorating the final moments of Christ as part of the 'Way of Cross' processions held under the aegis of various churches.

It was observed as a day of prayer and penitence in traditional Christian families in the state who avoided all worldly comforts to mark the day, remembering the sufferings of the Christ.