MUKESH SHARMA

Kalimpong, December 26:

The whole of Kalimpong Sub Division echoed with peaceful hymns which lit it up on the eve of Christmas. The greatest festival of the Christians was celebrated with full devotional and enthusiastic fervor here. The Bom Church along with different Alsedai churches and Catholic churches witnessed grand celebration of its lord Jesus Christ’s birthday. Due to the re construction of St Mac Farlene Church the celebrations could not be possible there. The Church established in 1881 was vastly damaged by last year’s earthquake. However, the celebrations could not be stopped. The believers of St Mac Farlene Church celebrated Christmas with equal devotion at the worship centre situated at 9th Mile. While similar celebration was conducted by the UCNI at the Centenary hall.

The Christian community was seen exchanging greetings which each other. Religious and cultural programmes were put up in every churches and celebration centres. In every church, the respective Fathers urged one and all to develop feeling of love and respect one another. The believers stayed up till late night singing hymns, praising the lord and lighting the candles. The youths following the age old Christian tradition played carols at each other’s houses. Also the football tournament organized by the Carol Fest Committee at Damber Chowk witnessed its final today. Beautiful religious hymns and cultural programmes were put up for entertaining the mass public present.