Along with the rest of the world, Christmas was celebrated by the Christians in different parts of Assam on Tuesday to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Kokrajhar, hundreds of Catholic followers offered prayer at Saint Don Bosco Catholic Church in the morning where Rev. Fr. Damian Basumatary led the holy mass and prayer for a peaceful world.
The Catholic churches at Kokrajhar, Dotma, Ramfalbil, Amguri, Saraibil, Gossaigaon and other places in the district were thronged with believers as this denomination has the largest followers. The churches of different denominations were decorated on the occasion.
The Kokrajhar Town Baptist Church also observed Christmas with religious fervour.
Guest speaker Peter Basumatary, pastor of the Kachari Baptist Church, Dimapur in Nagaland, delivered message on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ among the congregations. He said that God sent his only one begotten son Jesus to this Earth to save sinners; not to judge and punish, but to give eternal life to those who believe in God.
Reoreoa Narjihary, former Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and Mohon Boro, director of Irrigation department, also delivered messages on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ among the devotees, where high-ranking BTC officers and followers as well as religious leaders were present.
Talking to reporters at Saint Don Bosco Church, Kokrajhar, Assam Minister for WPT&BC, Soil Conservation and Social Welfare Pramila Rani Brahma, during her visit to the church, said, “This day is a very special day for the followers of Christ as Saviour Jesus Christ was born on this day to bail out the mankind from all odds.”
She also said that the churches use to pray for a peaceful world.
She hoped that “Christmas will strengthen the feelings of brotherhood, uphold peace among all sections of people and unity and integrity.”
Meanwhile, the women at their homes were seen busy preparing home-made rice cakes, Sithao, Enthab and other food items.
In Diphu, Christmas was to greet the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. In the town, the celebration was marked with Christmas service in churches and community feasts.
One among the many churches celebrating Christmas was Rongchingdon Baptist Church, Rongchingri in Ward No. 8 of Diphu town. Apart from church members, the celebration was also attended by guests.
Deaconess Hanna Rongpipi, who spoke on the occasion, in her message, asked the devotees to accept Christ in their hearts. She quoted from Luke 2: 10: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
In Udalguri, Christmas was celebrated with pomp and gaiety & religious fervour. Churches of the important township of the district, Tangla town, wore a festive look as the faithful flocked the Baptist church and Don Bosco, Tangla Catholic church for midnight mass.
People of other religions also joined the mass and celebrations on Tuesday morning.
on Monday. Image credit – Northeast Now
The day was marked by special prayers, mass in churches, singing of carols and traditional spread of festive delicacies. The scenes of the birth of Christ were enacted by faithful at the churches, missionary schools.
In the Don Bosco Catholic Church, Tangla, midnight prayers were led by Preacher, Ruben Mushahary. Special Christmas prayers were held in the church on Tuesday morning which were led by Parish Priest Fr. Marcus Lakra,followed by musical programmes.
A sizeable number of people of Christian faith as well other faith took part in the morning prayers in the cathedrals.
“Christmas is the festival of happiness, sharing and caring. The message is peace to the people of good will. On this day, we honour the birth of Jesus Christ who is considered as the son of God,” Father Lakra said.