Pomp & gaiety mark Xmas celebrations

PNS|Vijayawada

After two years of low-key celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Christmas was celebrated with the usual pomp and gaiety in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. The traditional devotional alacrity returned post-Covid in all Churches all over State as Christians in large numbers thronged to Churches by joining Christmas prayers and wishing festival greetings.

Chief Minister Jagan celebrated Christmas at CSI Church in Pulivendula, YSR district. Minister Botsa Satyanarayana participated in Christmas prayers held at SMB Church in Vizianagaram. MLA Anil Kumar Yadav participated in the Christmas celebrations in Santapet Church in the Nellore district.

Right from the wee hours of Sunday, Christians as well as people of other faiths flocked to the churches and took part in the special prayers on the birthday of Jesus Christ. They sang special hymns, lit candles, and were involved in the remembrance of Jesus Christ.

Chief Minister Jagan celebrated the Christmas festival at Pulivendula CSI Church along with his mother Vijayamma, wife Bharti and other family members and performed special prayers. Christmas cake was cut on the occasion and was distributed among the gathering. CM Jagan extended Christmas wishes to his mother, wife, relatives, and others. On the occasion, CM Jagan said that it was a great joy to celebrate the festival with everyone.

Christmas celebrations were held on a grand note in Vizianagaram district as huge gatherings participated in the Christmas celebration in the churches. Botsa Satyanarayana took part in Christmas prayers held at SMB Church in Vizianagaram. After the special Christmas, the Minister cut the cake, he also advised everyone to do good deeds and help others.

In Vijayawada, all the Churches were illuminated and decorated for the Christmas celebrations. After two years Christmas was being celebrated on a grand note without any Covid restrictions. People gathered in large numbers at prominent Churches in the city the Gunadala Matha Shrine, Philadelphia AG Church, CSI All Saints Church, The Indian Pentecostal Church, Messiah Fellowship Church, St Paul’s Cathedral, Infant Jesus Catholic Church, Zion Fellowship Church and other churches in the city.

Christmas celebrations were held in the Yerragondapalem constituency of the Prakasam district. In Nellore Santhapet church, MLA Anil Kumar Yadav participated in the special mass on the occasion. Churches in Nandya were crowded with devotees. Special prayers were held at the Roman Catholic Church in Yanam. Candles were lit and prayers were offered to the Lord Jesus Christ and children impressed with the dance performance on the occasion.

TDP leader Prabhakar Chaudhary participated in the celebrations held at the CSI Church in Anantapur. He said that one should pray with a good heart and everyone is equal to God. He said that the essence of all religions is one and God is one for all.