Srinagar, 25-Dec: Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ (AS), was celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety across J&K on Saturday. This year, the festival falls amid the reopening ceremony of historic St Luke’s Church in Srinagar, which was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday.In the wee hours of the morning, the Christians visited the St Luke’s Church at Dalgate and Holy Family Catholic Church at MA Road where Father Pastor Eric and Father Suresh Britto led prayers respectively. A large number of people were seen assembling at the Churchs here to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ and participated in the special prayers.Besides the local Christian population, the tourists present in the Valley from outside Jammu and Kashmir also participated in the special prayers.Many other Churches across Kashmir also witnessed a large gathering of Christians in the morning where prayers were held.Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has greeted the people of Jammu & Kashmir on the joyous occasion of Christmas. In a message, the LG has said the festival is a celebration of peace, love, hope and harmony.“Christmas provides an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of sharing and brotherhood. The festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ is an occasion to celebrate and imbibe Lord Christ’s message of peace, love, compassion and forgiveness. We must rededicate ourselves for the welfare of humankind”, the LG said.“May the Christmas this year usher in peace and joy for all,” the LG prayed.Advisors to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar have extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Christmas. In their message, the Advisors said that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and this festival reaffirms our faith in the values of compassion and forgiveness taught by Jesus Christ for the enlightenment of humanity.“Let us all imbibe the Jesus Christ’s teachings of love, compassion and humanity on this holy festival and commit ourselves to the welfare of our nation and society”, Advisors added. The Advisors also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta has extended greetings to people on the occasion of Christmas.In his message on the eve of Christmas, the Chief Secretary said that Christianity teaches the principles of truthfulness, honesty, harmony, and sacrifice.He has hoped that the festival shall bring greater peace and prosperity, and inspire people from all faiths to emulate the teachings of love and compassion for all.Keeping in view the emergence of Omicron, the Chief Secretary urged people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour including mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene.Director General of Police, J&K Dilbag Singh has greeted the people, all ranks of JKP, security forces, their families and families of martyrs on the eve of Marry Christmas.He wished for a joyful festival.
