MASROOR AHMAD
SRINAGAR: The birthday of Jesus Christ-Christmas– was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm and religious fervor across the Kashmir Valley.
Amid thick cover of fog and freezing temperature in Srinagar, the Christian community of the Valley took part in a special prayer meeting at the Holy Family Catholic Church, at Maulana Azad Road, Srinagar.
All the churches were illuminated and decorated for the occasion. Christians, dressed in colourful attire, exchanged greeting with each other, distributed sweets and offered special prayers. The main function was held at the Catholic Church Srinagar where large number of members of community including women and children visited to attend mass prayer.
A festive look was given to the church, decorated with colourful bunting, balloons, and illumination. A replica of the birthplace of Jesus Christ was also erected in the church garden, where devotees lit candle to pay homage. A mass prayer was also held in the church till midnight during which a good number of devotees participated.
Father Prem said Christmas is a message of love, joy and happiness that we are celebrating. He said Christmas is an occasion that gives us an opportunity to share joy, happiness and brotherhood with each other.
Women devotees. while talking to reporters said,” Jesus will fulfil our wishes and fill our life with happiness.” She said that, she is praying for peace, love and blessings for the whole world and mankind.
“It is an occasion when people come together, cultures assimilate and we get to cleanse ourselves of the negativity, motivating us to strive for more,” said another devotee. Christmas celebrations were also held at Gulmarg and Baramulla where a good number of devotees participated in mass prayers and other festive programmes.