With the countdown to Christmas 2025 entering its final phase, the city of Dibrugarh in Assam is awash in a radiant glow of faith and festivity. Churches across the district have undergone a stunning transformation, decked in brilliant lights and traditional decorations, as the Christian community intensifies last-minute arrangements for the December 25 celebrations.
Historic Churches Become Festive Epicentres
The spirit of the season is vividly alive within the sanctuaries of Dibrugarh's major churches. From the iconic Catholic Church at Khalihamari, built in 1931, to the Baptist Church on Jail Road and the Church of North India at South Khalihamari, these places of worship are now spectacular visions in red, white, and green. They are adorned with twinkling fairy lights, colourful balloons, satin ribbons, and towering, elaborately decorated Christmas trees. Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ add a profound touch of devotion to the vibrant displays.
Bishop Albert Hemrom of the Dibrugarh Diocese highlighted the significance of the celebrations at the historic Catholic Church, a focal point for the region. "We are expecting over 10,000 devotees from all faiths to gather at our church on Christmas Day to light candles at the base of Mother Mary's statue," he said. The holy midnight communion service is scheduled to begin at 12 am on Wednesday night, with an estimated 5,000 participants. The church choir has been diligently rehearsing a repertoire of special carols and hymns to mark the sacred occasion.
Community Feasts, Carols, and Charitable Spirit
The festive preparations extend beyond decoration. At the Baptist Church on Jail Road, Pastor CW Marak outlined a robust schedule. A special midnight service on Christmas Eve is expected to draw around 250 congregants. This will be followed by a Christmas Day prayer session at 10 am and a community feast, fostering fellowship and shared joy.
The air around the Catholic Church resonated with familiar melodies on Monday as a local gospel band practiced beloved Christmas numbers. The setlist included timeless classics like 'Silent Night,' 'Jingle Bells,' 'Joy to the World,' and 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,' their music filling the festooned halls. Bishop Hemrom extended warm wishes, emphasising the core values of the season: "Christmas is a time for prayer, harmony, and goodwill. It reminds us of the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness."
Echoing the message of compassion, the Missionaries of Charity at Boiragimoth has planned a special prayer session focused on the sick and needy. A spokesperson confirmed that fruits, cakes, and special treats would be distributed among the inmates of their charity home, ensuring the joy of Christmas reaches everyone.
Festive Cheer Permeates the Entire City
The Christmas spirit has effortlessly spilled out from the churches into the neighbourhoods of Dibrugarh. Christian homes showcase decorated Christmas trees on porches, embellished with silver bells, candy canes, and poinsettias. The commercial landscape has also embraced the season; restaurants, malls, and coffee shops are decked with stars, tree figurines, and images of Santa Claus.
Confectionaries and gift shops reported a significant surge in business over the weekend, with residents flocking to purchase traditional Christmas cakes, cookies, decorations, and presents. This convergence of meticulous preparation, solemn prayer, and communal celebration has collectively transformed Dibrugarh into a city radiating palpable warmth and joy, perfectly poised to welcome Christmas 2025 with open arms and a celebratory heart.
