As followers of Christianity all around the world observe Holy Week, it will culminate into the celebration of Easter this Sunday. Closer home, Mumbaikars will attend Easter vigil the night before and follow it with blessing their home the next day. After which, they will indulge in a feast to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, after more than forty days of fasting that starts from Ash Wednesday.  
 
Interestingly, many people prepare for the feast in advance. There is also a hustle and bustle to cook the best kinds of dishes that are usually traditional for the occasion. While some of them are elaborate and require to be made days in advance, there are others that can be made on the day and enjoyed by family and friends. However, over the years, people have been innovating with their dishes, and also borrowing recipes from different cultures from not only around the world but also in India.  
 
If you have been scratching your head and are still undecided about what you are going to make for the day, we have got you covered. Mid-day Online spoke to Mumbai chefs to help you plan a menu with different kinds of dishes that not only include innovative variations but also classics without which Easter is incomplete, especially after more than two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. It includes the classic hot cross buns which are a must as well as a mouthwatering meat pie. 

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Hot Cross Buns by Nitish Pawaskar, pastry chef, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar 
Easter is incomplete without hot cross buns. It is a speciality that is made annually and relished on Easter Sunday morning, after mass service, either plain or with your coffee or tea. If you have always bought them and want to try your hand at making them on your own, then it`s probably the best time with the long weekend ahead of us. While many fancy dishes may come along, chef Nitish Pawaskar at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar believes eating them is a tradition that can’t be missed. He explains, "The hot cross buns are a beloved Easter tradition, and what makes them special is the combination of fragrant spices, juicy stewed fruits, nuts, and the iconic cross on top. The warm, sweet aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake is reminiscent of the holiday season, making these buns a meaningful treat for Easter celebrations.”