Residents of capital city on Thursday celebrated the Christmas festival with great zeal and enthusiasm. Not only Christian communities but people of all religion came together to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. The whole city was decorated with lights and lamps and Santa Clauses were seen outside most of the stores distributing chocolates and gifts to the kids. Film star and actor Vivek Oberoi also celebrated his Christmas in Dehradun along with his friends.
Actor Vivek Oberoi and his friends celebrated their Christmas in the capital city. Me and my friend are in vacation and are travelling to the various parts of the Uttarakhand, said Oberoi. Pastor committee of St Thomas Church, the oldest church in the city and Sampradaik Sadbhav Samiti Dehradun organised a special programme on the occasion of Christmas.
Principal Secretary of Sampradaik Sadbhav Samiti Dehradun Madan Mohan Kapoor said that our committee organises various programmes on the occasion of festivals relating to any religion and on Christmas day “we along with the church committee are organising a programme”. The chief guest of the programme was Principal Secretary law Jaidev Singh.
More than 1000 followers gathered in the St. Francis church to celebrate this festival. Cakes and pastries were distributed among the people on this occasion. People of various religions participated in the Prayer and carols. Similarly A large crowd assembled in the Morrison Memorial church. From morning only people started coming to the church with their families and friends. Not only Christians but different religion people participated in this occasion.
Owner of Moti Mahal Navjoot said that on the occasion of Christmas “we are offering 25 per cent discount to our customers on bill of Rs 1,500 and above.” Owner of Hi-Jinks Nupur said that on the occasion of Christmas “we have decorated our whole store and also arranged Santa Claus and other mascots like Donald Duck and Angry Bird who are distributing toffees and chocolates to kids”. She also said that a juggler and magician programme is also conducted especially for the kids in this occasion.
A local mall organised a kids Christmas theme based fancy dress competition for age group up to four in which more than 50 children participated. A local resident Roshni Negi said that though I am not Christian but every year me and my friends come to church for the celebration. Another local resident Elizabeth said that her and her family eagerly wait for the Christmas and every year “we used to come to church every year to attend prayers and to welcome Jesus Christ in this earth.”