Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla, December 25, 2023: The festive spirit of Christmas reverberated through the chilly air in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday as the local Christian community, along with members of other faiths, came together to celebrate the joyous occasion amid freezing temperatures.
The main Christmas function took place at the Stain Joseph Catholic Church, where a significant number of community members, including women and children, braved the cold to attend the mass prayers. The atmosphere was filled with religious enthusiasm and gaiety as devotees joined in the celebration despite the biting cold.
Baramulla police joined in the festivities, choosing the Saint Joseph Catholic Church as the venue for their Christmas celebrations. Station House Officer Inspector Vilayat Hussain Sofi conveyed warm greetings to the Christian community on behalf of SSP Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure-IPS, and all ranks of the J&K Police.
Devotees on this occasion prayed for peace and tranquility in Kashmir and universal brotherhood. The event was graced by the presence of Vice Principal of Saint Joseph School Baramulla, Father Soosai, Father Suresh Britto, Sisters from Saint Joseph Hospital, media personalities, and other community members.
The Stain Joseph Catholic Church was transformed into a festive spectacle, adorned with colorful bunting, balloons, and beautiful illumination. In the church garden, a replica of the birthplace of Jesus Christ was erected; becoming a focal point where devotees lit candles to pay homage besides a cake was cut.
A mass prayer, extending into the midnight hours, saw a substantial turnout of devotees seeking blessings. Father Suresh Britto, addressing the gathering, highlighted the significance of Christmas as a message of love, joy, and happiness. He emphasized the occasion as an opportunity to share joy, happiness, and brotherhood with one another.
Prayers were dedicated to the peace and prosperity of the world, particularly Kashmir. On the eve of Merry Christmas, Shri Amod Ashok Nagpure, IPS, extended his wishes to the people of District Baramulla, all ranks of JKP, security forces, their families, and relatives of martyrs, hoping for a joyous celebration.
SSP Baramulla, in his message, expressed hope that the celebrations would bring pleasure and tranquility to everyone in the district, especially to J&K Police officers, security guards, and martyrs’ families. He urged everyone to be guided by the noble teachings of Jesus Christ to preserve the unity and secular outlook of the country.