As the bell chimed past 12 midnight Tuesday, it echoed with the carols of Christmas – the biggest religious festival of the Christian faith.
The Christians celebrate this day marking the birth of Jesus Christ, who arrived with the message of peace for humanity two thousand years ago.
In Bangladesh, the day is observed throughout the country with due sanctity, euphoria and solemnity.
This year, Christmas prayers are expected to wish for peace in the country in view of the recent violence ahead of the January 5 elections.
All the churches in the capital Dhaka have been decorated with grandeur lighting effects.
Various hotels in the capital are also prepared with colourful decoration to hold special parties.
The political turmoil is making a shadow on the eve and for some people the day was grumpy, a senior citizen from Indira road of the capital, Subhash D Costa, 50 was one of them. He was staying at his home while his family members went to join the prayer. He said he had to stay for security of the house.
Meanwhile on Savar, the programme in Dharenda Mission Church was called off within 9pm on Tuesday, which normally holds throughout the night, Father Pankaj Rodrix of that mission told the Dhaka Tribune.
The law enforcers asked them not to prolong the programme at night, he said, adding that they would follow the same trend on the Christmas Day. He also expressed satisfaction with the highest security measures taken by the law enforcers.
That extra security is the thing that is bit itchy for Elizabeth D Costa, 26. Though the embedded security force was doing a great job, but that also reminded her that the situation was not good around, she said, adding that such security measures sometimes hindered the rhythm of festival.
She was attending a prayer at Tejgaon Church on Tuesday night and asserted that she would join the prayer on Wednesday too. She had scheduled her day to pass with her friends, partying at her residence with people of different religions and beliefs.
Alice Prianka Sarker, 26, a university student will observe the day at church and at a five star hotel. She expressed hopes that it would be a very gorgeous party as usual.
Christmas Day for Alex benedict Rozario, 24, has different feeling though. He lives at Savar and he will celebrate the day with Kirton song and prayer at the small church of his village. He is concerned about security, but he hoped that the rural festival would be very joyful.
Arannya Pereara was in total joy as he had been eagerly waiting for the day. He will greet his elders early in the morning and receive gifts. He bought new dresses for the day and the seven-year-old boy is sure Santa Clause will add more gem to his repertoire of toys. The minor is absolutely untouched by the existing unrest in the country.
Let the joy of Arannya touch all the people of the country and let all the malice be wiped off.
