The Steel City is alive with the spirit of Christmas as residents prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with joy and fervor. Streets are adorned with festive lights, churches are bustling with activity, and security measures have been ramped up to ensure peaceful celebrations on December 25.
The city’s traffic police have imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles, barring their entry from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm on Christmas Day to ease traffic congestion and ensure smooth movement. Police officials have also been directed to maintain heightened vigilance near churches and other public gathering spots.
An estimated 300 police personnel, including officers in plain clothes, will be deployed across the city, particularly near major churches. Local police stations have been tasked with coordinating directly with church authorities regarding service timings to streamline security arrangements.
“Our focus is on ensuring a safe and joyous Christmas for everyone. All traffic police outposts, including those in Bistupur, Sakchi, Golmuri, Mango, and Jugsalai, are on alert to check reckless driving and other violations,” said a senior traffic official.
Churches across Jamshedpur are gearing up to welcome thousands of worshippers for Christmas services. Early morning services, starting from 8:00 am, are expected to draw large crowds at prominent churches like Beldih Baptist Church and St. George’s Church in Northern Town, GEL Church in Sonari and Sitaramdera, St. Mark Church in Mango, and Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Telco.
Midnight mass, a central part of Christmas Eve celebrations, will be held with grandeur at various churches, including St. Mary’s Church in Bistupur, Beldih Baptist Church, and St. Anthony’s Church in Pursudih.
At St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the midnight holy mass will feature a symbolic procession where an image of baby Jesus was carried by the priest, preceded by children holding lighted candles. The candles were placed in the beautifully decorated cribs, adding to the divine ambiance.
Special prayers are offered, and pastors deliver sermons urging people to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ. Chapters from the Holy Bible are read, emphasizing peace, kindness, and unity.
"Jesus Christ was an apostle of peace who taught us to coexist harmoniously and spread love and brotherhood. The Christmas festival brings a message of hope and peace to the world," said John Mohan, a resident of Northern Town.
The festive fervor is evident across the city, with homes and streets illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations. Markets are bustling with shoppers purchasing gifts, sweets, and decorations, while children eagerly await Santa’s arrival.
Community groups and organizations are hosting Christmas carols and charity events, spreading cheer to the underprivileged. The spirit of giving and sharing is palpable as residents come together to celebrate the festival with unity and joy.
As the Steel City revels in the Christmas frenzy, the seamless blend of festive celebration and tight security ensures that the occasion remains joyous, safe, and memorable for all.
