Hyderabad :
The grandeur of the churches in the city was at its brightest best on Tuesday night as sparkling lights and stars drew thousands to the midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
The faithful braved the cold to attend the mass in several famous churches, including St Mary’s Church and Church of St John The Baptist, Secunderabad, and St Joseph’s Cathedral, Gunfoundry. At many churches, the service also took place on Wednesday morning and noon.
At St Mary’s Church, the archbishop of Hyderabad, Thumma Bala, read out special verses from the Bible as part of the liturgy and urged people to follow a life of love and devotion to Jesus Christ . Despite the service being held in the open air, people continued to pour in to listen to the sermon, which went on till well past midnight.
Prior to the mass, churches also organized nativity plays, depicting the history of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.
The usual celebrations and rituals aside, some parishes ensured that the less privileged were not excluded from the festivities. “We have been having outreach programs for the poor relating to health and education. We also organized free meals for the homeless in various parts of the city. It is the season of joy and there is no greater joy than that of giving,” said Rev Bhaskar Rao, Rock Church, Masab Tank.
Meanwhile, for many revelers, despite the array of offers available at hotels and restaurants, Christmas was essentially about spending time with near and dear ones. “Christmas has traditionally been about being at home with family and friends. After attending morning mass, I spent the entire day with my extended family and will attend a Christmas dance in the evening,” said Agnelo Luqua, 25.
For traditional families, home cooked food is as integral to the celebrations as decorating the Christmas tree and singing carols. Roast chicken or turkey, biryani, pulav, mutton curry and desserts comprise the typical elaborate Christmas lunch or dinner.
“Good food is obviously very important to the celebrations. The best part is the feeling of togetherness that comes while cooking and eating together, which is an important part of the Christmas spirit,” said Sainikpuri resident, Arundhati Ann.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad> Christmas Eve / TNN / December 26th, 2013