Mangalore: Prayers and holy mass worships were held in all parishes in Mangalore on February 22 to observe Ash Wednesday that marks the Lent period of 40 days of fasting, reflections, forgiveness, alms in Charity and continuous prayers to God, for what happened to Jesus Christ in .

It comes 46 days before Easter, which marks the death and resurrection of Christ in spirit.

All world pleasures (meat, drinking, sex, and sports) are discarded to experience divine presence only, in fellow beings around.

It amounts to spiritual cleaning process, in repentance of sins earlier committed by a devote.

Holy mass is held this evening as well. Ash applied to the foreheads of those faithful people who attend churches for prayers. Meat-eating is prohibited on his day.