People pray for world peace across churches in Valley

Christmas was celebrated with religious fervour in Kashmir on Tuesday with special prayers for peace held at the churches across the Valley.

The main function was at Holy Family Catholic church here where the community members gathered to listen to the address of chief priest.

“We prayed for world peace and especially for the peace in Kashmir. We wish peace to every brother and sister. God loves everyone and that love is shown by humans too by celebrating together, greeting each other and giving gifts. We should learn to forgive people,” he said.

“This is a special day for all of us and we prayed for the welfare of humanity,” he added.
As part of midnight celebrations, the chorus prayers were also organised.

A large number of community members participated in the midnight mass. Later special prayers were led by Father of the church.

Similar functions were held in Anantnag, Baramulla town,  and the famous ski resort of Gulmarg where foreign tourists participated in the celebration.

Reports said churches across the Valley were decorated with Christmas trees, buntings and lights.

Greetings

Many Muslims were seen greeting their Christian brethren outside the Church. “We came
here to greet our Christian friends as they too greet us on occasions like Eid,” said Samreen, a college student.

The chilly weather didn’t stop people, especially small kids, from attending the churches for special prayer meetings. They were seen wearing new winter clothes.
Samuel a tourist from Goa said he was happy to celebrate the day in Kashmir.

“I’m happy to see the love and care given to us by the Kashmiri people, who are too caring,” he told Deccan Herald.

“People outside Kashmir are very apprehensive of the situation in the Valley but the scene is altogether different here,” he said.

“Christianity has its roots in Kashmir and people should come to celebrate such occasions here,” he added.