Churches across Odisha resonated with carol singing, midnight prayers, and festive decorations as the Christian community celebrated Christmas on Thursday. The faithful gathered in large numbers to mark the birth of Jesus Christ with devotion and joy, with celebrations extending from the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to districts like Kandhamal and Gajapati.
Devotional Fervour in Bhubaneswar Churches
In the state capital, churches were adorned beautifully with mistletoe, colourful lights, stars, bells, cribs, candles, and Christmas trees. At St Vincent’s Church in Satya Nagar, believers participated in carol singing followed by the holy midnight mass. The service was marked by deep devotion, with attendees receiving holy communion after confession and venerating the Infant Jesus as an act of love and humility.
Parish priest Ajay Sabhasundar stated that the congregation prayed in unison for peace and prosperity across the world. He added that carol singing, holy mass, and related activities were also conducted on Thursday morning across their four churches in the city, located in Kalinga Vihar, Bharatpur, Nayapalli, and Satya Nagar.
Similarly, the Union Church in Unit-4 held mass prayers in both English and Odia. Pastor Ayub Chinchani, who conducted the prayers, emphasized that the birth of Jesus brought immense joy to the world, celebrated through collective worship. Susanta Patra, a prominent Christian leader, delivered the sermon to the gathered believers. The Assembly of God Church at Ekamra Villa also held midnight prayers and a morning mass, with attendees exchanging Christmas gifts.
Community Festivities and Interfaith Harmony
The festive spirit extended beyond church walls. Residents of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack celebrated with grandeur, organising Christmas get-togethers at various locations. Youths wearing Santa Claus caps were seen taking selfies and group photos at decorated churches. Notably, people from other communities also joined in the celebrations, greeting friends and neighbours through social media and in person outside churches.
Celebrations included cutting cakes at hotels, restaurants, and homes, with many opting for picnics and visits to tourist spots. In a significant display of interfaith harmony, people also thronged the Puri Jagannath Temple to pay obeisance before the English New Year.
Peaceful Celebrations Under Security in Sensitive Districts
In Kandhamal district, Christmas was observed under a blanket of tight security. Despite severe cold with temperatures dipping below 10 degrees Celsius, hundreds of believers flocked to decorated churches from Wednesday midnight onwards. The police administration deployed substantial forces to ensure peace.
Around 27 platoons of police forces and 85 officers were deployed in sensitive areas, with intensified night patrolling. Kandhamal SP Harish B.C. confirmed that no untoward incidents were reported from anywhere in the district, attributing the peaceful atmosphere to the security measures.
Similarly, in Gajapati district, security was heightened in sensitive areas like Mohana, Adava, R Udayagiri, and Gumma with the deployment of at least three platoons of forces. Christmas celebrations here, too, proceeded peacefully and with devotion, marking a day of faith and communal harmony across Odisha.
