As midnight ushered in Christmas Day, the city of Dibrugarh in Assam came alive with the resonant sound of church bells and joyful hymns. Thousands of Christians across the city gathered in places of worship to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through prayer, song, and a strong sense of community.
Historic Cathedral at the Heart of Celebrations
The Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church at Khalihamari stood as the epicenter of the festive observances. A staggering crowd of nearly 5,000 parishioners attended the solemn midnight mass, which was led by Bishop Albert Hemrom of the Dibrugarh Diocese. The cathedral, an architectural and spiritual landmark built in 1931 and one of the oldest in Northeast India, was filled to its capacity, underscoring the deep devotion of the faithful.
"The inside of the church and outside was full of people," remarked Fr. Cyril Purty, the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish, emphasizing the overwhelming turnout. Following special prayers, the cathedral's intricate nativity scene depicting the birth of Christ was unveiled, accompanied by melodic carols from the church choir.
A poignant sight was the sea of flickering lights created as devotees lit candles at the base of the statue of Mary. The tradition of seeking blessings for newborns continued, with many young mothers bringing their infants to the service.
City-Wide Observances and Unity in Faith
The celebration was not confined to the cathedral. Across Dibrugarh, churches of various denominations held their own midnight services, painting a picture of unified faith.
The Baptist Church at Jail Road welcomed around 300 attendees for a service conducted by Pastor CW Marak. An attendee shared, "We celebrated the big day with prayers and carol singing," capturing the essence of joy and communal harmony.
Other significant congregations that hosted midnight celebrations included:
- The Church of Jesus Christ at Kadamoni
- The Presbyterian Church of India at Paltan Bazar
- The Church of North India at South Khalihamari
Each church featured its own nativity scene and welcomed eager congregations ready to mark the sacred night.
Festivity Extends Beyond Church Walls
The spirit of Christmas in Dibrugarh extended far beyond the church services. Christian neighborhoods transformed into vibrant hubs of celebration. Homes were filled with the warmth of family reunions and festive gatherings, where loved ones exchanged gifts and shared special meals. This widespread atmosphere of togetherness perfectly embodied the core message of Christmas—love, joy, and community.
The grand celebrations in Dibrugarh, anchored by the historic Sacred Heart Cathedral, showcased not just religious observance but also the rich cultural tapestry and communal harmony of Assam.
