The birth of Jesus Christ was celebrated by offering prayers in churches and Christian homes in Nashik.
The celebration began with a mass on the eve of the Christmas day. At the Infant Jesus Shrine at Nashik Road, prayers were conducted by all priests including Father Aubrey Mascarenhas and Father Rudey Fernandez. The shrine was decorated and a crib was laid to symbolise the birth of Christ.
Christians visited the shrine throughout day and offered their prayers and lit candles. Mass prayers were conducted in the morning and at noon.
The day was celebrated with prayers, exchange of greetings and gifts at the St Mary's church as well. "Families participated in the Christmas crib and Carol singing competitions," stated Father Benny Joseph of St Mary's church in Wadala area of Nashik. The church belongs to Syro Malabar catholic church. Father Joseph also informed that many families followed a 25 days lent where in they secretly prayed for their family members and on the day of Christmas, they exchanged gifts.
The day was celebrated with prayers and discourse by Father Andrew Shinde at the St Andrew's Church. About 2,000 devotees attended the prayer. "The birth of Christ symbolises and gives a message of love, peace and positivity. People should inculcate these in their lives," stated father Andrew Shinde. Children will participate in a cultural programme on December 26 as part of the celebration.
The festival was also celebrated in other churches in the city including Holy Cross Church, St. Andrew's Church, St Anna's Church. The celebration included lighting of crackers, decorations, cribs, greetings and prayers at all places.
Churches have been decorated with lighting, candles and Christmas trees. Many homes too were decorated. Sweets and delicacies were savoured by friends and families in Christian homes. Cribs and Christmas trees were decorated tastefully by children and families. Gifts and greetings were exchanged. The celebration continued in gaiety and happiness.
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