Goodwill message, merrymaking mark Christmas in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, December 29 2023:
Christmas celebrations continue in Ukhrul district.
While the season is filled with chilly air that carries the holiday spirit, vibrant decorative lights, embellishments and festive cheers work to dispel the cold weather.
Since Christmas Eve, people of all ages gathered to observe the biggest Christian festival of the year.
Various churches across Ukhrul town and villages organised a series of festivities and worship services.
These celebrations extend beyond December 25, lasting a week or so - some churches have planned celebrations stretching till the New Year Day.
The celebrations bring together a community of believers, promoting a sense of togetherness and goodwill.
In his Christmas message, TBCA executive secretary reverend Mathotmi Vasha emphasised the divine affection of God towards humanity and referenced the John 3:16 verse from the Holy Bible - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life".
He reminded that the scripture carries the fundamental concept of Christmas since it speaks of the love God has for sinful mankind and the extent of that love.
"It tells us that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, God's Son, that He came just like any normal human being and died for us, will be saved," he said.
Meanwhile, Khaivaren Baptist Fellowship (KBF) chairman Aimson Zimik expounded on John 14:27 from the Bible and reminded that the true essence of Christmas lies in the peace that Jesus offered.
"This peace, given to us by Jesus, is unlike any other worldly peace.
This peace the world cannot give us.
But, ultimately, it is up to each one of us to make the choice to accept or reject this divine peace," he said.
Zimik further explained that the observance of Christmas year after year would be rendered meaningless if people were not willing to receive this divine peace.
He asserted that this peace promises not only peace of mind and heart, but also peace for the entire world.
One of the main highlights of the Christmas celebrations here is the traditional games and sports including tug of war, sack race, football, volleyball as well as musical performances and other items which add a fun element to the celebrations.
In interior villages, song and sporting competitions are being held during day time.
Social gatherings are organised at night-time where people gather around the bonfire and enjoy entertainment events.
Apart from these festivities, jaggery (gur) is distributed to all attendees, young and old.
Jaggery, a traditional Indian sweet made from sugarcane, remains an integral part of Christmas and is believed to represent the sweetness and joy of the festival since time immemorial.
"Gur is an indispensable part of Christmas celebrations and is perfectly suited to the season.
Everyone, both young and old, delights in this sweet treat.
This year, I have received a dozen balls of gur," said a woman who attended the celebrations.
'Hao Khamui', traditional bread made of sticky rice, is another attraction of the season.
It is prepared by the women folks and is shared among the church members and visitors.
Similar celebrations are being observed by the Meetei Baptist Church, Nepali Baptist Church and Hindi Baptist Church in the town, making it a true celebration of unity and harmony.
Many families and individuals living in Ukhrul town, Imphal and other metro cities also travel to their ancestral villages during this time of the year.
This homeward trip allows them to reconnect with their roots and celebrate Christmas with their extended families, friends and loved ones.
The duration of Christmas festivities vary among different churches.
While some have already concluded their celebrations on Thursday, others will continue to observe it until the end of December, even extending it to the New Year Day.
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