Sinha, Omar, leaders extend greetings
Northlines Correspondent
Jammu/Srinagar: The festival of Christmas was celebrated with devotion, joy and a spirit of harmony across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, as churches witnessed large gatherings of devotees offering special prayers to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
Prayer meetings were held in various places of worship including the St Mary’s Garrison Church, Gandhi Nagar, CNI Church Residency Road and St Peters Church.
Large number of devotees including children participated in the celebrations. The members of Christian community attired in colorful dresses were seen hugging and exchanging greetings.
Meanwhile tight security arrangements were made at various venues for smooth celebrations.
In Jammu, the winter capital wore a festive look with prominent churches illuminated with colourful lights and decorations. St. Mary’s Garrison Church in Gandhi Nagar remained the main centre of celebrations, where midnight Mass and special prayer services on Christmas Eve drew a large congregation. Hymns and carols echoed through the church, spreading the message of peace, love and compassion. BJP leader Devyani Rana and Minister Satish Sharma were among the dignitaries who joined the celebrations and conveyed greetings to the Christian community.
Similar scenes were witnessed at St. Paul’s Church and other churches in the city, where families gathered for morning prayers, cake-cutting ceremonies and community interactions despite the chilly weather.
In the Kashmir Valley, Christmas was observed with quiet devotion at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Lal Chowk, Srinagar. The church was tastefully decorated with lights, stars and a Christmas tree, creating a serene atmosphere. Special Mass prayers focused on harmony, goodwill and peace in the region, with hymns filling the air.
“We prayed for peace and prosperity for everyone in Jammu and Kashmir. Christmas reminds us of faith and love, especially in challenging times,” a church member said.
Elaborate security arrangements and smooth traffic management were ensured around churches to facilitate peaceful celebrations. Church authorities appreciated the support of the administration and the cooperation of the local community.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartiest greetings to the people on the joyous occasion of Christmas.
In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said, “On the joyous occasion of Christmas, I convey my warm greetings to the people. I hope that this occasion of festivity ushers in love and harmony amongst the people. The festival, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, serves as a reminder to embrace Lord Christ’s teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness in our daily lives. This auspicious occasion inspires us to renew our commitment towards the welfare of each other for a prosperous future for all. May the spirit of Christmas encourage us to help those in need and bring peace, prosperity and happiness to all”.
Meanwhile Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also extended warm greetings to the people celebrating Christmas in Jammu and Kashmir and across the world.
Describing Christmas as a festival symbolising peace, love and compassion, the Chief Minister said that the teachings of Jesus Christ continue to inspire humanity to uphold the values of kindness, forgiveness and harmony.
“Christmas is not merely a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of our shared values of harmony and mutual respect, where people from all communities come together in a spirit of unity,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the rich secular ethos and age-old tradition of brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir, and urged people to mark the occasion by extending support to the less privileged so that everyone can partake in the joy of the festival.
