Dharwad decks up for Xmas celebration

DHARWAD: All three major churches in Dharwad have been decked up for Christmas as celebrations got underway from December 1. The city has over 7,000 Christians of which nearly 70 per cent are Protestants and the rest are Catholics.

What is unique about Christmas in Dharwad is that the local traditions and culture have great influence on the celebrations,. Some Christian families are influenced by their counterparts in the neighbouring Goa.

The city and Christian community have bondage of over two centuries as Christian missionaries chose Dharwad as the centre for spreading religion and taking up educational activities. The educational institutions established by Christian missionaries have played an important role in getting Dharwad the ‘educational hub’ tag.

The Hebich Memorial Church on Railway Station Road is the oldest as it was constructed in 1845 by Rev Lehner. The Anglican Church, also known as All Saints’ Church, is famous for its conventional architectural craftsmanship and brickwork. This church was established in 1888. Another important Church is the Holy Cross Church at Saint Joseph’s School premises. All these are wearing a festive look and buzzing with activities. The Basel Mission compound where a large number of Christian families live has been fully illuminated and decked up with colourful balloons, bells, ribbons, stars, glitter and buntings.

On December 25 (Monday), after the special prayer at these churches, the bishop and the pastors will deliver the Christmas address. Special discourses will be held on Jesus and Christianity.

Bishop’s message

Bishop Rev Martin Borgai of the Church of South India’s Northern Diocese said Jesus Christ had preached peace and harmony in the society 2023 years ago and his preachings bear relevance even now.

Christmas celebrations will 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, he said.

Stating that the year 2023 was full of anxiety with Ukrain and Russia engaging in war against each other, the Bishop said it is time to preach and practice peace and brotherhood across the globe.

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