The Christian community people who thronged several churches in the city to celebrate Christmas on Mondaystressed on world peace and communal harmony affirming that India being their motherland, they loved to celebrate the day in tune with the assimilative culture of the land they are proud of.
One of them said that the world being made gory by some fanatics killing people in the name of religions, it is time to remember the supreme sacrifice made Jesus Christ for the cause of humanity. Meanwhile, Christmas was celebrated in Dehradun and other parts of the state with enthusiasm as devotees cutting across the religious lines thronged churches, attended special prayers and exchanged greetings.
Carol singing, get-togethers and the exchanging of gifts marked the celebration while the churches were illuminated and appropriately decked up for the solemn occasion. Vendors surfaced on the roadsides, selling goodies, red caps, masks of Santa Claus and the like. Long queues were seen moving slowly to the tableaux showcasing different stages of Christ’s life.
Christian community people were attired in their festive best while the kids received gifts from the fabled Santa Claus on the morning of the day.
It was at 8.30 am that the first main prayer was offered followed by the second prayer at 10 am. The celebrations had begun after midnight on December 24.
Father Valerian Pinto of St. Francis Church said that thousands of Christian community and from other faiths participated in the mass in a big way held at 8.30 am and 10.00 am on the Christmas day to celebrate the advent of Christ.
A devotee said that Christmas is a festival of love and peace. “It is a day to offer prayer for the well-being of one ad all across the world,” Mariya, a devotee, said, adding that the spirit of the celebration should not be lost sight off in merry making spree.
Sister Prafella present at Catholic Church-St Francis Church on Convent Road said, “I offered prayer for world peace and communal harmony across the country.
I settled in Dehradun from western Uttar Pradesh a few years ago. Aside from continuing with my study, I am and working in an organisation that serves the poor.
I have developed an attachment to Uttarakhand which embodies the unifying culture that India is lauded for. Here the people are tolerant of other faiths. I would love to be here serving the people in need in line with what our saviour has preached.” They said that their prayer is for whole of humanity.