The 40-day Lenten period for Christians has begun today with the observance of Ash Wednesday. In this connection, special masses were held in churches across Puducherry, with large numbers of devotees participating in the services. At the historic Sacred Heart Basilica, a special mass was led by Parish Priest Father Pitchaimuthu. On Ash Wednesday, many Christians go to church for a service that emphasises the start of a season of reflection, self-denial and repentance from sin. Ash is applied on the foreheads of the devotees as part of the Ash Wednesday ritual. The final week of Lent, beginning in April, will witness special observances, including the Way of the Cross.