On the eve of Christmas, the city of Hyderabad was filled with festive spirit as churches and chapels were decorated with lights, Santa Claus models, and Christmas trees. Some churches also displayed elaborate tableaus of the birth of Jesus Christ, which attracted many visitors. On Sunday evening, people attended midnight mass at the churches. This year, voluntary organizations also celebrated pre-Christmas for a social cause. Apple Home Real Need India Foundation organized a “Christmas Carnival, Mix, and Mingle” event to raise awareness and support Mission Bhadrata. They also distributed innerwear to two lakh girl children.
One of the churches that drew a crowd was St Joesph’s Cathedral church Gunfoundry, Abids. It had grand lighting and a huge Christmas tree at its entrance, which spanned the entire facade of the structure. The decorations this year were particularly grand, attracting even more people. The celebrations will continue until the end of the year, including a vigil mass on December 31.
For Charles Frank, an IT employee, Christmas is a month-long celebration. Carol singing begins on the first Sunday of the month, and food preparations start a week or two before Christmas and last until New Year. As a member of the choir group of St Mary’s Church, Secunderabad, Charles and his group visit parishioners’ homes to spread Christmas cheer. After singing carols, they exchange greetings and sweets with the households, continuing a heartwarming tradition.
