Members of the Christian community around the district are celebratingthe holy Christmas On Wednesday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ amid great enthusiasm and festivity.
They call for spreading the holy massages of Jesus for building a peaceful society.
Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christians, is the celebration of rebirth, new beginning, forgiveness and peace, and renewing relationship with God and human beings.
The churches make festive preparations to celebrate the big day. They put up fairy lights and bright decorations, make a nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus in a manger, and prayers and blessings are spread all around.
At home, people in the district decorate an evergreen pine tree with colourful lights and glittery ornaments, with a huge star or an angel on top. And of course, beautifully wrapped presents are placed underneath the tree, ready to be opened on the day.
Members of the Christian community visit churches and take part in special services and sing carols on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They also give generously to charity and those less fortunate.
Avilash Hira , a resident of Baniachar village in Maksudpur upazila described how people celebrate Christmas in many ways.
He said, " We have a own way of celebrating Christmas. The church holds a program at 12am on the 25th which is attended by all the Christians. After the program, everyone gets ready and starts preparing a Christmas feast for lunch. This feast is where all the villagers gather and celebrate Christmas."
"I usually help with collecting the donations, and help to serve food during the lunch feast. For me, Christmas means a busy day, but in the end, it is quite fun and enjoyable,” said Avilash.
Baniachar Catholic Church Father Rinku Rezm Gomez said the Christian community of the district started to celebrate the festive at 12.01 am after cutting cake.
Many programs including rallies, fairs will be held in the town.
In the afternoon, the young people will arrange some cultural functions where people of all ages will take part.
"A grand meal will be hosted by the Church community. The day is being celebrated in joy and sharing with near and dear ones,” he said.
Gopalganj Christian fellowship president Reva Samuel said the Christian community of district are celebrating the day at 149 churches with festive mood.
DIO Dewan Aminul Islam of Gopalganj police said security has been beefed up in the district on the occasion.
Deputy Commissioner Shahida Sultna wishes a Happy Christmas to everyone celebrating in the district.
