The Christians of different groups in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the world will celebrate Christmas Day, the birthday of Jesus Christ, a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader, on Wednesday.
They will offer special prayers, illuminate churches and install makeshift Christmas trees at homes and places of worship and missions across the country.
Elderly people of the community, attired in the outfit of Santa Claus, usually make fun with children and distribute gifts among kids as part of universal Christian practice.
It is a time when family, friends and relatives gather together to celebrate the day with colourful lights and Christmas trees decorated at homes.
Customs of the holiday include gift giving, Christmas music and carolling, viewing a Nativity play, an exchange of Christmas cards, church services, a special meal, and the display of various Christmas decorations.
Christmas carols and hymns will be sung before and after prayer sessions in churches across the country.
According to tradition, Santa Claus will distribute sweets and gifts among children in churches on the occasion. This is a 'great day' for children in the Christian community, who sing carols praising Jesus Christ and God and exchange gifts.
The national dailies will publish special articles highlighting the importance of Christmas.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private radio stations and TV channels will air special programs marking the festival.
