As the festive spirit envelops Kanpur, churches across the city have been adorned with elegant decorations, marking the beginning of Christmas celebrations with traditional candlelight services, carol singing, and Bible readings. The city's Christian community is actively preparing to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ with devotion and joy.
Historic Christ Church Leads the Celebrations
One of the focal points of the festivities is the historic Christ Church, founded by Bishop Wilson in 1837 and opened for divine service on January 4, 1840. This iconic church is set to hold a special candlelight service to inaugurate this year's Christmas celebrations. According to the organisers, all preparations at the church are complete.
"In the candlelight service, we organise a choir singing. Special prayers will be conducted in the church on Wednesday at 11 pm," they stated. "On Christmas Day, we will gather in the morning around 9:30 am to praise the Saviour of mankind," they added, outlining the schedule for the devout.
Festive Preparations Across City Churches
The festive fervour is not limited to Christ Church. St Mary's Orthodox Church in Krishnapuram is being decked up in its finest decorations to welcome devotees. Father and Chairman Leny Chacko confirmed that preparations for the magnificent Christmas celebration have been completed there and in other churches as well.
Similarly, the Methodist Church in Civil Lines has undergone beautiful decoration, with its floral arrangements already attracting visitors. This church will host a Christmas carol event at 11:30 pm. Not to be outdone, St Francis Xavier Church in Ashok Nagar will also resonate with carol singing to mark the festivities, and a traditional crib display is being set up for visitors.
A City Adorned for the Season
The Christmas spirit has spilled beyond the church walls into the city's prominent markets. They are now vibrant and decked up with an array of gifts and decorative items, catering to shoppers looking for the perfect festive supplies. The collective effort paints a picture of unity and shared celebration as Kanpur readies itself for a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
