Bells, carols double Christmas zeal

Khammam: The churches across the city were illuminated and decked up for the grand Christmas celebrations to be held on Monday. While carols and ringing of bells filled the air with festive zeal, mass prayers and worship services on the eve of the festival were held in Khammam on Sunday.

RCM church on Wyra road, CSI church at ZP Centre, Saint Mary’s church and the Larthu Matha church at Tallada mandal, some of the biggest churches, in the district were decorated with colourful lights. The churches have made elaborate arrangements for the grand day.

Further, many churches and schools in the city have been arranging various programmes for the last one week to mark the festival. Children, dressed as Santa Clause, actively participated in the events organised as part of the celebrations besides distributing sweets and gifts among themselves other.

Meanwhile, the shops present at Kamaan Bazaar, railway station road, bus stand road, municipal road and Kaspa Bazaar witnessed heavy rush with shoppers painting the town red.

Speaking to The Hans India, Telangana Christian Council State president M D Sudharshanam said mass prayers would be offered at various churches present across the district on December 24, midnight. “It is a special day for all Christians. The festival calls for universal brotherhood where people hope and pray for a better future,” he added.

The religious leaders expressed their gratitude to the district administration for making elaborate arrangements on the occasion.

Local MLA Puvvada Ajay Kumar, Sattupalli MLA Sandra Venkata Veeraiah and district president of the Congress party Aitham Satyam conveyed their wishes to the people. In a statement released here on Sunday, Roads and Buildings Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, ZP chairperson Gadepalli Kavitha and District Collector D S Lokesh Kumar conveyed greetings to all.