Largest congregation at Gandhi Nagar Church
Avtar Bhat/Fayaz Bukhari
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 25: Merry Christmas was celebrated with religious fervor and enthusiasm across J&K today.
There was huge rush of faithful in churches across J&K with people belonging to Christian community were seen waiting in long queues in front of Churches for their turn to offer prayers and participate in celebrations.
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The day is celebrated as birthday of Jesus Christ whom members of Christian community believe is the son of God.
Special prayers were held in Churches on the occasion for peace, human prosperity and prevalence of brotherhood.
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Children were seeing waiting for Santa Claus. Some children were attired in the dress of Santa Claus.
People of other communities greeted the members of Christian community and exchanged special gifts.
In Jammu the biggest Mass was held at Catholic Church, Gandhi Nagar where hundreds of faithful visited to participate in celebrations and special prayers which were held on the occasion.
The Church wore a festive look as it was specially decorated with balloons and buntings befitting the occasion. The devotees lighted the candles and participated in the prayers.
The people including men, women and children were attired in colourful costumes and wishing Marry Christmas to each other.
The people visiting the Church on the occasion said that Jesus Christ was the messenger of peace and brotherhood. He was messiah of mankind whose message was people should have faith in God. They said let there should be peace in J&K. “Jammu has always taken a lead in celebrating the festivals of different communities together and we hope that people of other regions will too follow the same and there should be a good intercommunity bond with love and no hatred,” they added.
Another function was held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Prem Nagar along with its Parish Priest Fr. Kuriakose, Asst. Parish Priest Fr. Suhail Joseph and all the faithful celebrated Christmas joyfully.
“In Christian tradition it is believed that Jesus was born on 25th December therefore we all celebrate this day joyfully,” said a faithful.
The night service at the Church began at 10 pm where hundreds of people participated to receive the blessings of Baby Jesus.
The morning service in the Church on December 25 started at 11 am where again hundreds of people came to participate and prayed for peace and blessings of Jesus. The festival of Christmas is celebrated every year with a lot of religious fervour, joy, caroling and sharing.
People sung carols to share the message of Christmas that is joy, peace and progress of whole humanity. Jesus Christ though being God became human to instill in every human person quality of peace and fraternity.
“Today we live in a world where a lot of difference and human enmity exists. Therefore, we need to understand and learn from Jesus Christ that Christmas is not only about external decorations but it is cleaning one’s heart to live peacefully and joyfully in this world,’’ said another faithful.
“We pray that this Christmas may bring peace and joy to the whole of humanity and especially in our beautiful country”. Fr. Kuriakose in his homily emphasised on understanding the love of God towards humanity.
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only son that whoever believes in him may have eternal life”, he said.
Like Jesus was born through Mother Mary’s womb may he be born in our hearts this Christmas, he added.
Christmas was also celebrated today in Kashmir with religious fervor, as people gathered in joyous festivities, exchanging gifts and offering prayers for peace and unity in the country.
Despite the below-freezing temperatures, Christian devotees, including women and children, gathered at various churches across the region for Mass.
The largest congregation took place at the Holy Family Catholic Church on Maulana Azad Road Srinagar, where numerous Christians assembled to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and engage in special prayers.
The historic Church was adorned with vibrant bunting and balloons, creating a festive atmosphere.
The father at Holy Family Catholic Church on Maulana Azad Road expressed his delight at the overwhelming participation, not only from across the Valley but also from different parts of the country.
“I am delighted to see the overwhelming participation here. Today, we prayed for world peace and harmony among people. The presence of people from all over the country demonstrates the unity among us,” he said.
In addition to the local Christian population, tourists from different parts of the country joined the celebration. The devotees prayed for global peace and brotherhood. “I prayed for peace and harmony in Kashmir so that everyone can coexist with unity,” a devotee said.
Similar prayers and celebrations took place at other Churches, including Saint Joseph’s Church in North Kashmir’s Baramulla, the oldest Catholic Church in Jammu and Kashmir, and a Church in the tourist resort of Gulmarg.
Christmas was also celebrated at Goshen Church with gaiety and traditional enthusiasm in Batore and Ramban today under the supervision of Pastor Sarapheen Sunny.
On the occasion besides, Carol singing, the children sang songs about Jesus.
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