CHATTOGRAM, Dec 25, 2023 (BSS) - Christmas Day, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community marking the birth of Jesus Christ, was celebrated in the port city as elsewhere in the district with festivity and fanfare.

Churches and adjoining areas were decorated with colourful tiny blinkinlights and illuminated Christmas trees.

On the occasion, special dishes were prepared at the families of the community and the children were seen seeking blessings from the elders.
Apart from organising special prayers in churches, cutting Christmas cakes, carol singing, the exchange of pleasantries and decoration of Christmas trees and the main houses of the Christian community were the major features of the day.

The Christmas festival began with two rounds of special prayers in Bengali and English at Patharghata Holy Jopmala Rani Church in the city last night. James Victor, a teacher and cultural organizer, told journalists that there is a festive atmosphere around the birthday of Jesus.

"We have decorated Christmas trees in almost every room. I have made various cakes and pies to entertain the guests. Shanta is distributing various gifts, including chocolates to children and teenagers," he said.
Churches in the city's Pathargata and Jamal Khan Road vibrated with daylong visits by Christians where they attended special prayers.

Christian religious leaders in the port city exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries on the occasion.

Chief Priest of the Patharghata Cathedral Church, Father Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader CSC, along with local elites and elected representatives sliced the X-mas cake at the reception function in the presence of a good number of dignitaries.

Local elite exchanged greetings with the leaders of Christian community in Chattogram.

Besides, Hotel Agrabad, Hotel Peninsula Chattogram arranged a "Kids'
Party with "Shanta" on the occasion of the holy day. A huge-sized Christmas cake was cut by the hotel authorities with the children of different ages who were present there.

Chattogram metropolitan police have taken tight security for ensuring peaceful celebration of the day.