The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Members of the Christian community in the country yesterday celebrated their greatest religious festival holy Christmas as elsewhere in the world with much enthusiasm, festivity and religious fervour.

All six churches in the capital were tastefully decorated marking the day with setting up Christmas trees and cribs. The celebration started on Wednesday night with church bells, carols and midnight gatherings in all churches and some city hotels.

Other features of the day included commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem 2008 years ago, singing Christmas corals, cutting Christmas cakes, presenting gifts by Santa Clause to children, decoration of houses with Christmas trees, and reunion of family members and friends for exchanging greetings.

The main programme of the Christmas Day in the city was arranged at Kakrail Church where prayers were arranged on Wednesday night and yesterday morning both in Bangla and English. Archbishop Paulinus Costa conducted the prayers.

Two more prayers were arranged, which were conducted by Father Dilip and Father Lintu. Special prayers were offered seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation. In the evening, people from all walks of life irrespective of their religions visited the church.

Similar programmes were arranged at the churches at Tajgaon, Nayanagar in Basundara, Laxmibazar, Mirpur and Mohammadpur in the city.

The day was a public holiday. National dailies published special articles highlighting the significance of the day. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television and radio channels broadcast special programme on the day.

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in separate messages greeted the Christian community on the Christmas.

The President and his wife Professor Dr Anwara Begum also hosted a reception and exchanged greetings with the members of the Christian community at Bangabhaban.

Archbishop Paulinus Costa, diplomats of different countries including US Ambassador James F Moriarty and British High Commissioner Stephen Evans, distinguished persons of the Christian community, religious leaders and professionals joined the reception.

A decorated Christmas tree was set up while a group of young singers of the community sang carol during the reception.

The Christmas was also celebrated in Gazipur, Narayanganj, Comilla and Madaripur with various programmes in different churches. Prayers, singing Christmas corals and banquet programmes were arranged on the occasion.

Marking the day the two five star hotels in the city today organized programmes for children on the occasion of the Christmas Day.

Dhaka Sheraton Hotel arranged Children Christmas Party this morning. Over 300 children along with their parents attended the function. The hotel management presented the children with various gift items including cakes from Santa Clause, best dress award, raffle draw, games, packet launch, ice cream, and soft drink.

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel also organized a programme from 10 am to 4 pm to celebrate Mary Christmas for children. The programme included gift from Santa Clause, rides, magic show and mini zoo. A total of 1,500 children along with their parents participated in the programme.