The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Today is December 25, the Christmas Day - the biggest religious festival of the Christians. The Christmas, commemorating the birthday of Jesus Christ, is being celebrated across the country as elsewhere in the world with due religious fervour and enthusiasm.

Aiming to free human beings, Jesus Christ was born on this day. He gave forgiveness to the sinners. He helped the poor and needy and recovered the sick persons. He also gave life to the dead.

All churches were tastefully decorated along with illumination of Christmas tree as members of the Christian community started celebrating their greatest religious festival from last night.

On the occasion of Christmas Day, prayers have been arranged at Tejgaon Church at 9:00pm and 11:00pm yesterday night in addition to morning invocations at 6:30am, 8:00am and 9:00am today. In Kakrail Church, prayers were held at 8:30pm and 10:30pm last night and will be held at 7:30am and 10:30am today. Special prayers will be offered today seeking the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.

Children and juveniles will arrange cultural functions in the churches marking the day. Distribution of Christmas cakes, gifts and exchange of greetings are other features of the occasion.

The government has taken adequate security measures to avert possible subversive activities by the vested quarters to jeopardise the celebration.

President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed has felicitated the Christian community of Bangladesh on the occasion of the Christmas Day.

In a message on the eve of the day, the President said the people across the world are tied to the bond of love. Jesus Christ was one of the great men who appeared in different ages aiming to make the world as an abode of peace for the human beings through mutual respect and love.

He praised the contribution of the Christian community to the development of education and society.

The Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in his message said Jesus Christ was the pioneer of services to mankind. He preached for a peaceful world removing all hatred and envies.

Referring to the harmonious social life of different communities in Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser urged all to make their efforts to uphold the tradition.

The Chief of Christian community in Bangladesh and Archbishop of Dhaka Paulinus Costa in a message congratulated the countrymen marking the Christmas. He urged all to stand beside the cyclone SIDR affected people and prayed for their welfare.

To celebrate the day Dhaka Sheraton Hotel will organise a lavish Christmas Party at the hotel ballroom. During the carnival Christmas children party will be filled with roaming performances like mummy hunt, pin the nose, chocolate writing, Christmas maze and treasure hunt, Christmas carol musical chair, click with Santa and Santa will be there to distribute presents. An alternative raffle draw will also be there for kids and parents, according to the Hotel Sheraton press release.

The Westin Dhaka is going to organise some special events to celebrate the Christmas Day. There will be special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch and dinner in the hotel restaurants and a colourful children party will be held at the hotel's grand ballroom. The tallest Christmas tree, 18-feet high, will be in the lobby of the hotel.