Dharwad: After a series of unpleasant events like COVID-19 and disasters in 2021, the Christians of Dharwad have decided to leave behind bitter memories and look forward to the glorious days to celebrate Christmas in a grand manner.
Members will celebrate Christmas as per all government rules.
This year’s Christmas is particularly special for Christians in the city as it also marks the 51st anniversary of the Church of the Northern Diocese of South India, headquartered in Dharwad.
The city and the Christian community have had a relationship for more than two centuries. The educational institutions built by Christian missionaries have played an important role in the designation of Dharwad as an educational centre.
There are about 7,000 Christian families in Dharwad, of which 70% are Protestant and the rest are Catholic.
What makes Christmas in Dharwad unique is that the local customs and culture have a strong influence on the festivities, while some Christian families are influenced by their counterparts in neighboring Goa.
Hebich Memorial Church on the Basel Mission campus, Holy Christ Church on the premises of St. Joseph’s School, and All Saints Church on Haliyal Road are all decorated with activity. The Basel mission complex, which houses many Christian families, is tastefully decorated with colorful balloons, bells, ribbons, stars, glitter and bunting. The week-long festivities will begin with a ‘Children’s Christmas’ on Friday, followed by a midnight prayer. Members of Christian families used to go to church early in the evening to attend congregational prayers.
Just as Hindus celebrate Deepawali, Christians light sky lamps and cook delicacies such as chakkuli, avalakki, karchikai and laddus.
After special prayers in the churches on Saturday, bishops and pastors will deliver Christmas speeches. There will be special discourses on Jesus and Christianity.
bishop’s message
The new Bishop of the Northern Diocese of the Church of India, Rev Martin C Borgai, said in a message that special prayers would be offered in honor of the Kovid warriors and those who lost their lives during the pandemic. Jesus Christ preached peace and harmony in the society 2000 years ago and his teachings are relevant even today. He said that the celebration of Christmas would be meaningful only when all the members of the society irrespective of their religion, caste and creed live in harmony and celebrate all the festivals together.
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