Mizoram prepares for grand Christmas
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Aizawl, December 23, 2013:
Along with the rest of the world, Churches in Mizoram are fully prepared to celebrate Christmas- the most joyous festival of the Christians with vigour and enthusiasm.
As of every year, preparations are now gaining full momentum in all parts of the state and arrangements are being made for pompous traditional feasts in every locality so that everyone young and old may enjoy the great day to the fullest.
Church service programmes for the Christmas Day have also been set ready by local churches, in fact quite well in advance, such that Christmas sermons and beautiful Christmas tunes are delivered in a grand and enthusiastic manner.
Over the past one week, musical concerts both indoor and open-air have also been organised in various parts of the State which gear up the people for the grand religious festival.
The tradition of Christmas celebration in the state is that, most of the churches including the largest Presbyterian Church sanctify the very day of Christmas, so no feasts on the day; the day being dedicated for church services.
The next day, however, is fully dedicated for celebration and also named Feast Day.
Since the past week, markets in the state capital Aizawl as well as in other smaller towns across the state also witnessed large number of people thronging every corner and making long queue to buy new clothes which adds to the fervor of the festival and also in a way which makes the Christmas season grandeur.
When night approaches, Christmas carols carried out mostly by the youths are heard along the streets which in fact have been started since last week not only in the city of Aizawl but in other smaller towns of the State too.
Aizawl city as well as other towns wears a festive look with street decoration and lights everywhere.
Christmas fervor is everywhere such that everyone, even travelers passing through the highways, could easily get into the festive mood and join the Christmas tunes played around, although short-lived.
Most of local media houses and government establishments have also put off their daily business to get fully into the Yuletide along with others.
Despite full enthusiasm for the once-a-year big festival, children and youngsters, unlike in earlier Christmastimes, are not allowed to burn crackers which otherwise would add to the colour of the festival.
However, the restriction has been made by the largest NGO in the State YMA, in prevention any untoward incident especially possible to cause by fireworks, and to ensure peaceful and worry-free celebration.
As this is a big festival awaited cheerfully by everyone, any stuff as would cause harm to people like gun toys, explosives, and crackers, be not sold and bought, Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) has appealed.
Charity and Christmas can almost be said as synonymous for the good-hearted Believers in the State.
Orphanage homes are visited by NGOs, Churches, and also by government departments leaving behinds gifts in the form of money and clothes.
Besides, underprivileged people in every locality are also assisted by their neighbours, much to the happiness of the former.
The act of donations by the people is an acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by Lord Jesus to save mankind on earth.
It has been reported in the news that the Young Mizo Association (YMA) branches instructed to see if there are any poor and needy people wanting in shelter and clothing in their respective places, and provide kind help to such people as far as possible.
The office of chief minister, and of other ministers, also have sent out assistances to needy homes as Christmas gifts.
Through Doordarshan Television, Aizawl, the Governor of Mizoram has also on Sunday evening greeted the people in the State wishing all a peaceful and Merry Christmas.
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