Shimla awash with Yuletide spirit

Thousands of people, including tourists and locals, thronged the iconic Christ Church at the Ridge to offer their prayers on Christmas today. The celebrations began on December 24 as people started visiting the church.

Carol singing, Bible reading, sermons as well as performances, including a Himachali nati by women on a devotional pahadi song, were highlights of the day.

Rev Vinita Roy, Priest In Charge, Christ Church, said thousands of tourists from across the country, including those from different faiths, visited the church on Christmas and a day before to offer their prayers. She said special programmes, including a performance by children, was also held at the church. “A langar has been prepared and is being served to people,” she added.

The festivities began on December 5 with carol singing, a cherished tradition wherein a group of 10-12 people, along with Priest in Chief Vinita Roy, visited homes of fellow Christians. The group covered the entire town and performed Christmas carols, along with the host families who welcomed the group and served them lunch and snacks. The carol rounds concluded on December 19, leaving behind a trail of festive spirit.

A Christmas tree celebration was held on December 18 during which children were presented with gifts. The children also gave lively dance performances to the tunes of Jingle Bells. The celebrations culminated on December 20 with a serene candlelight service that included reading from Bible, along with carol singing by the church choir. Besides, a nativity play was also performed at the Young Women Christian Association and several schools such as Auckland House School, Loreto Convent School presented a play. Through this half-an-hour play, the birth of Jesus was depicted by the performers who garnered huge applause from audiences.