Christmas in Punjab

Christmas is the most significant festival celebrated across the world among the Christians. The festival has crossed all boundaries and is observed by people from all communities.

Christians across India joyously observed Christmas, a festival that has acquired a universal appeal in this land of over one billion, with people from other religions too joining in the festivities.

From Chandigarh in the north to Chennai in the south, and from Mumbai in the west to Kohima in the northeast, the faithful flocked to churches for the midnight mass and to pay obeisance at the nativity tableau that depicts the birth of Jesus Christ.

Millions of homes across the country were gaily decorated with lights, buntings, stars, Santa Claus cut-outs and Christmas trees from under which children eagerly sought out the gifts laid out for them. It was then time for the traditional Christmas lunch with chicken substituting for the traditional turkey in most homes due to its easier availability, with plum cake and pudding topping off the repast. At countless shopping centers across the country, groups of youngsters went around singing Christmas carols and hymns to add to the festive spirit. Bakers and confectioners did brisk business while gift shops displayed exquisitely made Santas. Musical evenings were organised at various clubs.

And as it happens during Diwali and Eid, people from other religions also joined the Christmas celebrations, greeting their Christian brethren and tucking in with gusto into the afternoon meal.

"People of different communities come to this church to observe Christmas. Some of them have been coming for years," said Father Menikya Raju at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in the national capital.

Ravinder Singh, a Sikh, had brought his newborn daughter to the cathedral.

"We have brought our newborn baby so that she gets the blessings of the Lord," Ravinder Singh said. "I have been coming here for the past seven years and will continue to do so."

"This is the first time that we have come to this church. My children brought me here," said homemaker Pooja Maggo, a Hindu, as she held the hand of her five-year-old son Ritesh, who was dressed like Santa.

"I have sold over 200 Santa caps since morning," said Salim, a Muslim vendor outside the cathedral. "I make it a point to come to the church every Christmas and light a candle. I have been coming here for many years now."

The yuletide spirit was abundantly evident at a temple in Madhya Pradesh, where Hindu priests dressed up as Santa Claus and devotees sang Christmas carols.

The Celebrations at the Balaji Temple in Betul district, 300 km south of Bhopal, started Saturday evening and continued till well into Sunday. The grand temple was decorated with a nativity tableau and a big Christmas tree, festooned with balloons, ribbons and toys.

Mumbai, where a large number of Christians live, witnessed prayers and games.

In the West Bengal capital Kolkata, Christmas is the great social leveller after Durga Puja - and the pleasant nip in the air made the Christmas mood as good as it could get.

In the Missionaries of Charity, homes for children and destitute founded by Mother Teresa, expectant hearts were filled with special joy as gifts while distributed.

"Visitors have been pouring in since last night," Sister Christie told IANS.

In Andhra Pradesh, Archbishop Marampudi Joji led the faithful at St. Mary's Church in Secunderabad, the twin city of capital Hyderabad. The other big congregation was at the St Joseph's Cathedral in the city's Abids area.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajashekhar Reddy, a Christian, celebrated the day with his family members in his native Kadpa district.

In Chandigarh, people came out in large numbers despite icy winds sweeping the city to celebrate Christmas at various places. Churches in Punjab and Haryana were decorated with lights and buntings.

In Lucknow, churches were brightly lit up from Christmas eve. The city's main Cathedral at Hasratganj was packed for the service Sunday morning.

In Bihar's capital Patna, Christians thronged to the city's half-a-dozen churches, some of which are over 100 years old.

Some Christian organisations distributed woollen shawls and blankets among the poor to help beat the winter chill.

Christmas was celebrated with fervour in predominantly Christian states of Nagaland and Mizoram in the northeast.