[ad_1]
Kashmir’s tiny Christian population celebrated Christmas on Saturday with traditional enthusiasm and religious fervor as devotees thronged churches for Mass and prayed specials for peace throughout the Valley amid the relentless cold snap.
The largest mass in the Valley was held at the Holy Family Catholic Church on Maulana Azad Road in the heart of the city of Srinagar, where hundreds of Christians, including women and children, gathered to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. and made special prayers.
As part of the midnight celebrations, choir prayers were also organized. Large numbers of community members participated in the midnight mass. Later, the Church Father led special prayers.
On the occasion, the father of the church shed light on the teachings of Jesus Christ and sent a message of peace and love. “We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born in this world to carry the message of peace. It is the celebration of God’s love in human form, ”he said.
Similar functions were carried out in the town of Anantnag, 52 km from here, and in the town of Baramulla, 55 km from here and the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg.
Among those who prayed were tourists from different parts of the country who joined the locals on the auspicious day and prayed for peace in Kashmir and the rest of the world.
Reports say that churches throughout the valley were decorated with Christmas trees, pennants and lights, where local Muslims flocked to greet their Christian friends. The cold weather did not prevent people, especially young children, from attending churches for special prayer meetings. They were seen in new winter clothes on the occasion.
According to the 2011 census, out of a total of 35,631 Christian inhabitants of J&K, Kashmir has 11,857 Christian members.
