People of all religions celebrate Christmas

There was heavy rush of people especially belonging to Christian community at Kacchi Chawni, Trikuta Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Pacca Danga areas who were busy in purchasing Christmas gifts and other items. The Christmas trees were decorated extravagantly in different city churches befitting the occasion.

Similar gatherings were held at Saint Luke’s church and All Saints’ church in the city, Saint Joseph’s Church in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, the oldest Catholic Church in Jammu and Kashmir and at the Church in the tourist resort of Gulmarg. The people sang and danced throughout night to celebrate the occasion.

Many shopping outlets, bakeries, educational institutions and hotels were seen decorated with lights and had people dressed up as Santa Claus welcoming the visitors.

Members of other communities also wished Christmas setting an example of communal harmony.

It’s an occasion to revert to the message of Christ, the eternal message of love peace tolerance and compassion for humanity, commented Shahzad Anjum secretary information, FGA Church. Just before the midnight mass, an image of child Jesus was brought by the priest preceded by rows of children holding lighted candles that were placed in the crib set up in the churches.

Special prayer services were conducted on Friday as well in many churches – some had three services on the day.

“Jesus Christ was an apostle of peace and called upon people to coexist with camaraderie and brotherhood to spread peace”.

The Christmas celebrations are in full swing in settlements including 100 Quarters in F-6/2, France Colony in F-7/4, Faisal Colony, 66 Quarters and Musharraf Colony in G-7, Hansa Colony, Charles Colony, J Salik Colony and Miskeen Colony in G-8, Christian Colony in H-9, Essa Nagri in I-9, and Christian Colony in Iqbal Town.