Date:26/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/26/stories/2005122601160300.htm

Karnataka - Bidar

Joy and prayers mark Christmas celebrations

Staff Correspondent

Christians took out procession that lasted a whole night

BIDAR: Christmas was celebrated with joy and gaiety across Bidar district on Sunday.

Thousands attended a prayer meeting at the century-old Methodist Church in Mangalpet. Reverend Suresh Mark, Anand Hosur and others conducted the prayers. Reverence and festivity were seen in equal measure at the church.

Celebrations started on Saturday evening at the Sacred Heart Church in Shiva Nagar. Devotees walked in a procession that ended on Sunday morning. Young boys and girls dressed as Santa Claus rode in open jeeps and waived at people. Reverend Stanley Lobo and others conducted the prayers.

On Sunday, children wearing new clothes accompanied their parents to the church.

They shared gifts with each other and gave alms to the poor. The spirit was Christmas was in the air as the tiny tots seemed to enjoy every bit of it. Even non-Christians seem to be taken over by the festivity.