Post news network
Bhubaneswar: Devout Christians repeated holy phrases ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘praise the God’. Prayers and glorification of the Holy Spirit and the ‘Child of God’ filled the atmosphere to mark ‘Christmas’ that was celebrated from Sunday night.
People visited Churches to attend midnight masses arranged in three languages – English, Hindi and Oriya. Christmas celebrations began after 12am of Monday with carol singing before the bishops ritually offered drinks and food to baby Jesus and took the blessings of the Lord.
Red roses were offered and candles lit for the young Jesus. Cakes were offered to Christian brethren after special worship and prayers.
Special cattle sheds and mangers were erected to mark the occasion at the churches depicting the birth of Jesus.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik extended warm greetings to Christians residing in Orissa and outside. “Warm greetings and best wishes to all on this joyous occasion of Christmas. May the spirit of Christmas be the harbinger of prosperity, abundance and peace in your life. Merry Christmas,” the Chief Minister tweeted.
Father Prasanna Kumar Pradhan in his message said Christmas celebration symbolises culmination of all ill-feelings towards fellow beings.
Meanwhile, clubs and hotels in the city are organising Xmas parties with youngsters in mind. The celebrations will continue till December 31 night to greet the New Year.
Kunj Bihari Satpathy, organiser of a Christmas party at a city hotel, said Xmas is the most awaited celebration of the year which continues till the onset of the New Year. “We are organising multiple events for guests who come for Xmas celebrations like DJ nights. A rock band is also being organised. This apart, a fancy dress competition and fashion show for kids are being planned. We are also offering gifts to orphans to make the day memorable for them.”
Sabyasachi Satpathy, of Big Boss reality show fame, is celebrating Christmas in Mumbai with celebs like Udita Goswami. He has shared the picture of the celebration on social media.
