X'mas celebrated with religious, festive fervour

The City of Palaces celebrated Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, in a grand and significant manner. All the churches in the city had organised midnight mass and special prayers as part of the festivities on Sunday.

Churches in the city were illuminated and houses of Christians were adorned with Christmas tree and star heralding the birth of Christ.

St Philomena’s Cathedral, one of the oldest churches and also a tourist attraction, had organised special mass at a hall nearby as the church is under renovation. Prayers were conducted in three languages of English, Kannada and Tamil under the guidance of Bishop of Mysuru Diocese Thomas Antony Vazhappilly.

On Saturday night, the Bishop, along with other priests, brought the idol of Infant Jesus in a procession and placed it in a crib to signify the birth of Jesus Christ.

There are around 24 churches in the city, including St Bartholomew Church, Wesley Church, Hardwicke Church, St Joseph’s and other churches, which were decorated and illuminated for the occasion.

At St Joseph’s Church in Jayalakshmipuram, a model of Santa Claus arriving in a parachute, was the attraction while baby Jesus was placed in a crib.

People of the community shared Christmas cakes and wine with their friends and family. A carol singing competition, which was held earlier in the month, heralded the festivities. Cake-mixing at popular restaurants was well received while Christian educational institutions too organised many competitions.