Xmas celebrated across state with zeal

Prayers, exchange of gifts mark celebrations

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Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 25

The Christian community celebrated Christmas with fervour here today. The occasion witnessed prayers and exchange of greetings and gifts. Braving the winter chill, people in large numbers congregated at churches to usher in Christmas. Bishops and pastors led services and delivered sermons in the churches of the city. 

People of other communities too celebrated the day. The churches witnessed endless visitors throughout the day and huge crowds thronged during the morning prayers. Special masses were organised at St. Francis Church and St. John’s Church in the city.

Kumaon abuzz with Xmas celebrations

Pithoragarh, December 25

Christmas was celebrated across the Kumaon region today. Morning prayers at churches were followed by cultural programmes on the life and teachings of Lord Jesus. Over 700 members of the Christian community along with others gathered for morning prayers in Methodist Church, Pithoragarh, that was constructed by English priest John Henry Buden in 1879.

Bimal Deep Philip, a leader of the Christian community here, said, “The morning prayer was attended by  people from all regions in the town, including local leaders and MLA Mayukh  Mahar. People of all religions greeted the Christian community.”

In Almora, the oldest church that was constructed in 1872, was abuzz with celebrations. The day was celebrated in Champawat, Lohaghat, Nainital, Haldwani, and also in remote areas Berinag and Abbot Mount hill of Lohaghat subdivision. Several programmes were also organised  at  several minority-run schools, such  as Saint Francis Institute, True Revival School and Bethni Jeewan Dhara in Tanakpur town of Champawat district. — OC

Clothes distributed in Raipur Basti

Tribune News service

Dehradun, December 25

Making A Difference by Being the Difference (MAD), a group of youth activists, conducted a clothes distribution drive at Raipur Basti on the occasion of Christmas here today. Woollens were given to over 70 families.

Pallavi Bhatia, a member of the MAD, said, “This is our third phase of the cloth distribution. We have received an enthusiastic response in form of generous donations by residents.” MAD had set up its donation boxes at various locations wherein clothes were collected. This was followed by segregation and bundling of clothes as per the age-group of their probable recipients.

The MAD is still collecting clothes through its donation box at the Crossroads Mall for further distribution. Karan Kapoor, another member of the NGO, said, “We will continue the distribution of clothes. All Doonites are requested to share the care this winter and donate their old clothes.”

Around 30 volunteers of the MAD took up the activity. Shardul Aswal, Ayush Joshi, Sharad, Saurabh Dandriyal, Pallavi Bhatia, Rajat Panwar, Kunen and Adarsh were also present.

Carols in Haridwar

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 25

The pilgrim city of Haridwar celebrated Christmas with fervour and gaiety today. Devotees offered prayers to Lord Jesus and Mother Mary at various churches across the city.

Churches were decorated with lights and colourful badges, balloons and Merry Christmas stickers. People thronged churches late last night for mid night mass prayers and throughout today lighting of candles and offering of prayers was done.

At the BHEL-situated Sector-1 Methodist Church, teachings from the holy Bible were read out to the devotees.

The Reformed Presbyterian Church at Dev Pura witnessed hundreds of people on the festive occasion. The church was echoed with Christmas carols.

People thronged the Church and Father Wilson Messiah gave sermons. Father Messiah urged people to live in peace and harmony and urged all to profess communal harmony.

Special prayers were also held at St Mary’s School church. Apart from school staff and students, people from Jwalapur and other parts of the city also offered prayers to Lord Jesus and Mother Mary.

Apart from Christian community, people from other sects also visited the city churches, lighted candles and wished Merry Christmas to Christians.

Youths, particulary from school and educational institutes, were spotted visiting the Churches on the pious occasion.

Fun games, prizes for poor children

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 25

The Pratishtha Foundation celebrated Christmas along with children from underprivileged families at its Clement Town centre here today. Children participated in several fun games and antakshari. They were also given prizes.

Children gave scintillating dance performance on various songs. Volunteers of the organisation, attired in the dress of Santa Claus, distributed gifts among children.

Manisha Chamyal, a member of the foundation, said the motive behind the event was to spread happiness among underprivileged kids.

Vivek Rana, vice-secretary of the foundation,  thanked volunteers. Foundation president Deepak Kothiyal, vice-president Pranjal Sharma, secretary Deep Prakash Pant, treasurer Chandra Shekhar along with Kritika Gupta, Sandeep Rawat, Meghna Gupta, Manisha Chamyal, Vaishali Gurung, Yogita Malla, Shweta Singh, Yeshwant Bhatt, Umang Garg, Muzakkir and Aman Bhatt,  were present.