Children posing for photographs with a Santa Claus mannequin at the Basel Mission church in Hubballi during the Christmas celebrations on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE
Christmas spirit pervaded towns and cities across the districts of Kalyana Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka on Wednesday with Christians celebrating the festival with religious fervour and spirit of goodwill.
Unlike last year, when apprehensions of a new variant of COVID-19 created an atmosphere of anxiety during Christmas, the celebrations were more lively and boisterous this year.
As has been the practice, apart from prayers, feeding the poor, cultural programmes and carol singing formed part of the celebrations.
Solemn rejoicing marked Christmas celebrations in the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad, more so in Dharwad where the Basel Mission was established in 1836.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral decorated with festoons and sparkling lights for the Christmas celebrations in Kalaburagi.
| Photo Credit:
ARUN KULKARNI
Festive spirit pervaded the centuries-old Hebich Memorial Church, the Church of All Saints, the Holy Cross Church in Dharwad, Basel Mission Church and other churches in Hubballi which were illuminated with lights of different shapes, sizes and hues.
The traditional illuminated Star was put up prominently in front of households, churches and commercial establishments.
Localities predominantly inhabited by Christians were spruced up and illuminated by residents welfare associations.
Malls and commercial establishments in the central business district too were decked up to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, with Christmas trees welcoming visitors.
Big restaurants too did not fall behind. Bakeries and shops selling cakes, puddings, chocolates and sweets and stores selling greeting cards did good business in the region.
Published – December 25, 2024 09:06 pm IST
