Indian Christians, Hindus celebrate Christmas in Meghalaya

Christians in north-east India’s Meghalaya state celebrated Christmas Eve with fervour and spirit, exchanging greetings and gifts with friends and relatives. “It is Christmas time once again, the ‎season of peace, love and goodwill,” State Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said. “May the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ fill our heart with peace, ‎love, hope and goodwill, the true spirit of Christmas. May this Christmas ignite the spirit of love, ‎compassion and forgiveness amongst the people,” Sangma added.. Meghalaya Governor K.K. Paul said ‎the spirit and warmth of Christmas will bestow enduring peace, brotherhood, prosperity and happiness ‎in the life of every citizen in the state. ‎

Hindus also joined in the celebrations in the predominantly Christian state to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  Bishops and pastors led services and delivered sermons in various cathedrals and churches of different Christian denominations in the capital city, Shillong.  Catholic Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shillong, who presided over the midnight Christmas Eve Mass at the Nazareth hospital and later at St. Joseph Church in Laitkor area, appealed for upholding the ideals of universal love and brotherhood.

Hindus also celebrated Christmas in their own way. The central puja committee, organised an event to celebrate the Christmas. Ramakrishna Mission in Shillong celebrated the Christmas in ‘Hindu style’ by chanting Vedic shlokas and offering pujas to Jesus Christ.  (Source: Matters India)