Aland, a small town in the Kalaburagi district of North Karnataka, under the Gulbarga Diocese, experienced a unique and uplifting celebration of Christmas this year. Remarkably, despite the absence of a single Catholic family in the region, the mission station—established just eight years ago—succeeded in uniting people from all walks of life to share in the joy and message of Christmas.
Under the visionary leadership of Fr. Bapu, Director of the Aland Mission, a public event titled CHRISTMAS SAMBRAMA (Joy of Christmas) was organized. A stunning public crib, symbolizing peace, hope, and unity, was set up in a prominent location in front of the KSRTC bus stand, becoming the centerpiece of the celebrations.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Koruneshwara Swamiji of Anubhavamantapa, Aland, who delivered a thought-provoking message. He highlighted that Jesus Christ came into this world to bring peace and called on everyone to embody this peace in their communities. His words resonated deeply, as he urged respect and harmony among all religions.
Mrs. Pooja Lohar, former Zilla Panchayat member, echoed these sentiments in her address, emphasizing the importance of unity. She remarked, “We must all live as brothers and sisters, fostering harmony and mutual respect.”
Fr. Bapu shared the essence of Christmas with the gathering, explaining that Jesus Christ, born in a humble manger, is the light of the world. He invited everyone to experience Christ’s love and joy, which transcend all boundaries. The festive spirit was heightened by melodious Christmas carols led by Sr. Juliana, Principal of St. Mary School, and her team, who spread joy through their soulful singing.
To further enrich the understanding of Christmas, informative banners were displayed, narrating the significance of the crib, the symbolism of the Christmas star, the story of the Christmas tree, and the legend of Santa Claus. These creative displays engaged visitors, helping them grasp the deeper meaning of the festival.
The event also witnessed the participation of religious leaders from various faiths and local dignitaries, who paid homage to Baby Jesus. This gesture of interfaith harmony beautifully underscored the universal message of peace and goodwill. Over 2,000 people from different religions visited the crib, offering their respects and seeking blessings. Each visitor was warmly greeted with a piece of cake as a gesture of love and goodwill.
The celebration lasted from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and was a remarkable testament to the spirit of unity that Christmas embodies. It was heartwarming to see people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
