Thousands flock to Christmas music festival in India
Annual event started by Tara Cherian in India’s commercial capital in 1965 attracts many Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs
Dec 10, 2024
By Michael Gonsalves
Thousands of people cutting across religious affiliations have taken part in an annual Christmas music festival in India’s commercial capital Mumbai.
Catholic parishes and members of the Methodist Church and the Church of North India participated in the Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav (Lord Jesus's Birthday) festival on the evening of Dec. 8.
“In its 59th year, the Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav has grown into a beacon of unity and joy, bringing together people from all walks of life,” Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay told the gathering at Girgaum Chowpatty in Mumbai (formerly Bombay).
This special occasion inspires us to be “messengers of peace and goodwill in a world yearning for healing and reconciliation,” the cardinal said.
Abraham Mathai, chairman of the organizing committee, told UCA News that the annual Christmas music festival is India’s largest, attracting Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
He said nearly 20,000 people attended this year’s event, which was themed "spreading the message of peace, harmony, and hope to a world in turmoil. "
The event included carol singing, worship songs, and dance programs by Church groups from Mumbai, the capital of the western state of Maharashtra, Deepa Cornelius, president of the South Mumbai Women’s Wing of the Methodist Church told UCA News.
In line with the biblical norm of living together in peace and harmony, the Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav tries to cement harmony and peaceful coexistence,” said Mathai, also former vice chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission.
Cyril Dara, a Protestant member, said the popularity of the annual event proves that people of this country love Christmas.
Despite the increasing popularity of pro-Hindu parties in the country, the annual event attracts many people, Melwyn Fernandes, general secretary of the Association of Concerned Christians, told UCA News.
“This unique festival fosters a sense of community spirit,” Agnelo Fernandes, adviser to the Federal Commission for Minorities, told UCA News.
The festival was started by Tara Cherian, wife of former Maharashtra governor P. V. Cherian, in 1965.--ucanews.com
Total Comments:1