Terror attacks cast shadow on Xmas celebrations

Churches across Mumbai have unanimously decided not to celebrate Christmas this year to commemorate those who gave away their lives for the nation in the recent terror attacks that left the city shaken and shattered.

Churches across Mumbai have unanimously decided not to celebrate Christmas this year to commemorate those who gave away their lives for the nation in the recent terror attacks that left the city shaken and shattered. This comes as a domino effect of the Mumbai terror siege, where more than 174 innocent lives were lost.

The Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav Samiti, which performs the singing of Christmas carols in different Indian languages at Chowpatty beach 8212; a regular fixture on December 12 for more than three decades 8212; dedicated their carols this year to the martyrs. Also, special prayers were held by the bishop on the occasion held on Friday.

The occasion saw people belonging to multiple denominations like the Roman Catholics, Protestants, Methodists, Pentecostals, Seventh-Day Adventists and the Salvation Army who constitute the Samiti, coming together and expressing their solidarity, at the same time urging people to join them in their search for peace, hope and accountability.

8220;Every year we celebrate Christmas in a big way, but this time all the churches have decided not to celebrate the festival. Instead, we will pray for those who died in the terror attack,8221; said Abraham Mathai, vice-president of the state minorities commission.

Also present at the event was the governor of Maharashtra, S C Jamir, who himself witnessed terror from close quarters during four different attacks in Nagaland. 8220;He is a national symbol of resilience. His experience will definitely help people overcome the trauma that they are reeling in,8221; said Mathai.

8220;In memory of those who laid their lives in the recent terror attacks and to pray for our great nation, the Christian community in Mumbai will celebrate this 40-year-old traditional Christmas programme with a difference8221; said Cardinal Oswald Gracias.

Thousands of candles were lit in the memory of the victims of the recent terror attacks on the occasion. The people present at the janmotsav also signed a Christmas canvas to pay their tribute to the martyrs and also to express their solidarity.