Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 25: Like other parts of the country, Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ, was today celebrated with traditional gaiety, religious fervour and enthusiasm across the State.
Despite the biting cold thousands of Christians visited the city churches to participate in special Christmas Mass and prayers.
The biggest religious congregation was held at Garrison Church Gandhi Nagar where Incharge Father of the Church, Kuria Kose led the gathering to in Christmas Mass and prayers. The members of the Christian community drawn from different parts of the city and surrounding areas attended the function and lit the candles on the occasion.
Another function was held at CNI Church Wazarat road here where the priest of the Church led the gathering in holding special prayers on the occasion. A grand function was also held in Indian National Evengical Church at Ustad Mohalla Kachi Chwawni here, Catholic Church Bakshi Nagar, Muthi and other places of the city where a large number of members of Christian community participated in the celebrations.
All the churches in the city and other places were fully illuminated and decorated befitting the occasion. The members of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities were seen greeting their Christian brethren on the occasion. They hugged and kissed each other to exchange Christmas greetings. The members of Christian community also distributed sweets among the members of other religions.
Christmas was also celebrated with full religious fervour at Udhampur today. The main function was organised by Union Church situated opposite SSP’s Office in the town. Bishop Dr Santosh Thomas threw light on the teachings of Jesus Christ. A cultural programme was also held in the Church on the occasion.
Another function was organised by Pastor John Mattu in the Church of God Christian Colony Ward No 17 Udhampur in which a large number of youth and children took part. An impressive function was held in Sent Juter Catholic Church Shambal Danga Udhampur and a spiritual lecture was given by Pastor Amla. Pastor Stephan highlighted the miraculous life history of Jesus Christ in a function held in a Church of village Malaan.
Pastor M Chaarian addressed his note on Christianity at Habron Prayer Hall Garhi. Samrpan Church of village Magani organized a colourful programme, which was attended by a large number of devotees of Jesus Christ.
Reports coming from Kashmir said despite minus 2 degrees minimum temperature, a large number of people participated in the midnight mass held at all churches to mark the celebration of Chrismas.
People, attired in colourful dresses, exchanged greetings with each other and distributed sweets.
Muslims, Pandits and Sikhs were also seen greeting their Christian brethren.
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