Revellers turn out in hundreds in Bhubaneswar to celebrate Christmas

BHUBANESWAR: Hundreds of people thronged churches across the state to celebrate Christmas in a grand way on Sunday.
People irrespective of religion soaked in unbridled revelry, lit candles and offered red roses to Christ during mass prayers, carol singing and exchange of gifts at churches.

Churches were decked up in a dazzling array of lights and sparkling Christmas stars while bakeries and cake shops stocked up on a wide variety of cakes, chocolates, cookies for the occasion. After a low-key celebration during the last two years due to the Covid pandemic, the festival was celebrated in a grander way this year.
Greeting people on Christmas, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said in a tweet, "Warm greetings and best wishes to all on this joyous occasion of Christmas. As we celebrate the festive season, let's embrace the spirit of the Hockey World Cup! We wish you a very Merry Christmas!"
Governor Ganeshi Lal also wished the people of the state, "May Christmas bring abundant joy and happiness in everyone's life," he said.
In Kandhamal and Sundargarh districts, which have a sizeable Christian population, Christmas was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety with midnight mass and candlelight services in all churches. Feeding the poor and other charitable activities were also organised at various places.
"May Jesus save the world from another outbreak of Covid and bless people with good health and happiness. Besides, we pray that people across the world will follow the teachings of Lord Jesus and peace prevails in the world," said Samuel Xaxa, a devotee.
Churches across Cuttack witnessed a wave of excitement and enthusiasm as hundreds attended mass and sang carols to mark the birth of Christ. At Most Holy Rosary Cathedral Church near Cambridge School in Cuttack, more than 5,000 people gathered to celebrate the occasion. "We shared Jesus's message of love and brotherhood," said Sahara Diggal, a bank employee.
Eminent sand sculptor Sudarshan Patnaik created a massive sand art - 27 foot high and 60 ft wide - of Santa Claus using 1.5 tonnes of tomato and sand at Gopalpur beach. Patnaik claimed this tomato Santa was the world's biggest such installation.
Miniature artist L Eswar Rao of Jatni in Khurda district created a miniature sculpture of Jesus Christ inside a glass bottle.
Keeping the festive mood in mind, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, bakery and confectionery units were decked up with bright lights and stars and Christmas trees. Several hotels also hosted special Christmas parties on the occasion.
Religion was on the revellers' minds as many non-Christians also thronged churches and took part in the festivities. "I am not a Christian but every year on Christmas, I visit a church and houses of our Christian friends and have fun. My friends and I distributed cakes and chocolates among homeless children at railway stations and outside the shopping malls. Actually we should do it more often but at least on this special occasion, we can make others happy," said Nandita, a sales executive.
Red Santa Claus caps and dresses for kids being sold on the roadsides were also a big hit.