Christmas Celebrations Light Up Hyderabad
The streets of Hyderabad came alive with the festive spirit of Christmas, as the Christian community gathered to celebrate the occasion. Many people dressed in their finest outfits and visited churches to offer special prayers on Wednesday.
Several prominent churches, including Wesley Church in Secunderabad, CSI Wesley Church in Ramkote, St Joseph’s Cathedral, and Calvary Temple in Miyapur, began their celebrations with midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The services started at 11 PM and continued into the early hours of Christmas Day. Leading up to the festival, many Christian organisations and churches extended support to orphanages, rehabilitation centres, and underprivileged families by making generous donations in both cash and kind.
At St John’s Cathedral, Christmas masses were held early in the morning at 5 AM and 8 AM. Large groups of devotees attended these services to pray for everyone’s well-being. A carol singing session added to the festive atmosphere. A member of St Joseph’s Cathedral shared, “This year’s celebrations were marked with enthusiasm. Like every year, the festivities began at midnight on Christmas Eve.”
Robert, a resident of Secunderabad who attended prayers at Wesley Church with his family, expressed his joy. “Christmas is a time for sharing love and happiness. After church prayers and a delicious lunch, we enjoyed a grand get-together with friends to make the day extra special,” he said.
For many families, preparations for Christmas began weeks in advance. Alphonsa Robert, a resident of Mettuguda, shared her experience: “We started decorating the house and setting up the Christmas tree in early December. On Christmas Day, we attended the midnight service, prayed, and enjoyed a grand festive meal.”
Dr. Satish Kumar, pastor of Calvary Temple in Miyapur, highlighted the inclusive nature of the celebrations. “People from all faiths visited churches to offer prayers. Christmas is about celebrating love and brotherhood, and it was heartwarming to see everyone come together,” he said.
From prayers to carols, festive meals, and acts of kindness, the Christmas spirit brought joy to Hyderabad, uniting people in celebration and spreading a message of love and togetherness.
