Warangal: Combo of Hindu, Christian festivals

Warangal: Connoting communal harmony, the Christian and Hindus greeted each other as they celebrated Christmas and Vaikunta Ekadasi, also known as Mukkoti, with abundance across erstwhile Warangal district on Friday. It's a rare coincidence that people celebrate festivals of their respective faiths together.

All the churches in the district were flocked with people gathering to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Special prayer services that commenced on Thursday night continued on Friday. Decorated with Christmas trees and twinkling lights, the Centenary Baptist Church (CBC) was abuzz with believers. The heads of churches exhorted people to spread love and peace, the values espoused by Jesus Christ. Hyderabad Andhra Christian Theological College (ACTC) Professor Helen Salomi participated in the celebrations at Church of South India (CSI) in Dornakal mandal of Mahabubabad District.

On the other hand, the Hindu devotees waited for Lord's Uttara Dwara Darshan at all Vaishnavite temples right from the early hours. The other temples also witnessed a heavy footfall. Vaikunta Ekadasi is also called the Gateway to Heaven. According to Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu took the form of Ekadasi, female energy, to kill the demon Muran. As it happened during the month of Margazhi, Lord Vishnu, who was impressed by Ekadasi, told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach 'Vaikunta' (heaven).

Meanwhile, Minister for Panchayat Raj Errabelli Dayakar Rao and Minister for Tribal Welfare Satyavathi Rathod greeted the people on Christmas and Vaikunta Ekadasi.