Christmas Day, the largest religious festival of the Christian community, was celebrated here with much enthusiasm and festive mood on Monday. On this occasion, Christian churches were decorated with colorful balloons, flowers and Christmas trees. Prayers were held in the churches of Meherpur from Sunday night. From 9:30 in the morning, the main Christmas prayer started at Bhaberpara, the largest Christian parish in Mujibnagar upazila. The church was decorated in various colors to mark the centenary. Lighting was done. A 7-day long fair was organized on the church premises. Goshala (Cow shed) has been built. A star symbol of peace has been raised at home. After the prayer, the devotees visited the cowsheds through kirtan songs.
There were also home-made pithapulis of delicious food. Christians observed the day with joyous festivities. They prayed in the churches for the salvation of their sins and the welfare of their families. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (SP) SM Nazmul Haque said that strict security was ensured on the occasion of hristmas. BSS from Natore reports: The Christmas Day, the largest religious festival of the Christian community, was celebrated here with much enthusiasm and festive mood Monday.
On the occasion, 11 Christian villages of the district, including Banpara church, have been decorated with colorful balloons, flowers and Christmas trees.
Christian community celebrated the day by holding various programs, including delivering sermons, offering special prayers, decorating and illuminating churches and worships apart from installing makeshift Christmas trees in the churches, worships and houses. On the occasion, a special prayer was held from 7am to 9am at Queen Mother Mary Catholic Church in Banpara, the largest religious village in the district.
The priest Father Dilip S. Costa presided over the prayer. The Christmas cake was cut on the church premises.
Local Member of Parliament Dr Siddiqur Rahman Patwari, Banpara Municipal Mayor K M Zakir Hossain, Upazila Nirbahi Office (UNO) Abu Russell, among others, were present.
The district police administration has already taken tight security measures in around all the churches and Christian hamlets to avoid any untoward incident and ensure peaceful celebration of the religious festival, Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Tariqul Islam said.
Special prayers were offered at different churches in the district seeking peace, progress and prosperity of the world including Bangladesh.
BSS from Rajshahi adds: Christmas Day, the largest religious festival of the Christian community, was celebrated here with much enthusiasm and festive mood Monday.
A large number of Christians rushed to the nearby churches to offer prayers.
Marking the day, a special prayer was organised in the city church at 7.30am.
Earlier on Sunday night, a midnight prayer was arranged at Baganpara Church from 6 pm to 11 pm. On the other hand, a one and a half-hour long special prayers programme was organised at Court Mission Church at 9.30 am today followed by a friendly feast at noon.
Besides, special prayers were offered at different churches in the city including Dingadoba Church commemorating Jesus Christ along with seeking peace, progress and prosperity of the world including Bangladesh.
Marking the great celebration, the city's churches were decorated and illuminated.
Local dignitaries and professional leaders accompanied by others visited various celebrating sites of the city and exchanged pleasantries with the members of the Christian community.