Xmas celebrated in festive, religious mood

Members of the Christian community in Bangladesh Sunday celebrated the holy Christmas with much enthusiasm, festivity and religious fervour, reports BSS. Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christians, is also a celebration of rebirth, new beginning, forgiveness and peace. For the believers, it is an occasion to renew relationship with God and humans. According to Christian belief, Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ in the city of Bethlehem on this day. The day was a public holiday in Bangladesh as in many other countries. On the occasion, President M Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the Christian community of the country. Marking the occasion, Christians offered special prayers at the churches. The prayer houses and adjoining areas were be decked with colourful lights. Illuminated Christmas trees were placed with a star standing right on top. Santa Claus distributed Christmas gifts to the children on the occasion. Special dishes were prepared in the families of members of the community and the children sought blessings from the elders. In Dhaka, the celebrations began on Christmas Eve with Christmas carol played in hotel lobbies, restaurants, lounges and other public places. Sonargaon Hotel, Ruposhi Bangla, Radisson and Westin arranged parties featuring carols, games and dance performances. President M Zillur Rahman hosted a reception for the Christian community at Bangabhaban Sunday on the occasion of Christmas. Archbishop of Bangladesh, ambassadors and representatives from different foreign missions, distinguished persons of Christian community, religious leaders, and professionals joined the reception. The president welcomed the guests and exchanged greetings with them and inquired about their wellbeing. A decorated Christmas tree was set up while a group of young singers performed the Christmas carol at the reception. A Santa Clause was roaming and distributing chocolates among the children.