Indian diocese holds annual youth festival

October 15, 2012 - More than 600 Christian young people on Monday celebrated the annual youth festival of the Diocese of Krishnagar in eastern India’s West Bengal state. The event was organized on the Hindu holiday of Mahalaya, which is an auspicious occasion observed nine days before the Durga Puja of festival. Bishop Joseph Gomes and cathedral parish priest Fr. Bertie Fernandes welcomed the youth groups from 20 parishes of the diocese spread out in Nadia and Murshidabad districts. Bishop Gomes inaugurated the day’s events by hoisting youth fest flag followed by a Mass with 15 priests. The youth then gathered for the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, installation of the Holy Bible and opening of the Year of Faith. The session also included faith stories by young people as well as songs and dances by representatives of various parishes. Youth and officials from the Diocese of Baruipur, near the state capital Kolkata, also participated in the youth festival.