Festive vibe grips Ukhrul on Christmas Eve
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, December 24 2023: A lively vibe swept through the chilly, picturesque town of Ukhrul, as it prepared for an elaborate celebration of Christmas - 'the birth of Jesus Christ, the saviour of mankind'.

The locals spared no efforts in adorning the streets, churches and neighbourhoods with festive decorations, even as spiritual leaders and prominent personalities spread heart-warming messages of love and hope.

On Christmas Eve which fell on Sunday this year, various churches of different denominations in the township, the spiritual nucleus of the Christian community, radiated with splendour as they opened their doors for the midnight mass to mark the beginning of the week-long celebrations that would stretch till the New Year Day.

The vibrant embellishments and brightly lit interiors and exteriors of the roadside churches such as Phungyo Baptist Church (PBC), Viewland Baptist Church (VBC), Hunphun Baptist Church (HBC), Ukhrul Town Baptist Church (UTBC), Union Baptist Church (UBC) and Sacred Heart Church (SHC), Hungpung mesmerised passers-by and worshippers, filling them with a sense of delight and tranquillity.

The melodious carols and hymns echoed from the church campuses added to the festive mood.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of festivities and preparations, spiritual leaders and prominent personalities took time to spread uplifting messages of love, peace and hope, "Christmas season is a time of warmth and togetherness, to cherish peace and goodwill and to be plenteous in mercy.

Therefore, I appeal to all the people of my beloved state to shun violence and uphold peace," said veterinary & animal husbandry minister Khashim Vashum in his greetings.

"I convey from the bottom of my heart that the peace of heaven may reign in the hearts of the people of Manipur," he continued, while wishing that the spirit of the season brings peace, joy and blessings to all my brethren of the people of the state.

"I, once again, wish all the people of Manipur a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, 2024," added Khashim Vashum.

In a similar message, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah said that Christmas holds a profound message for people worldwide.

He emphasised that although Jesus Christ is revered as the 'King of kings', He was not born in a grand, royal palace, but rather in a lowly stable.

He said that this instance may be difficult to comprehend, since the birth of Jesus was not announced to other powerful leaders and influ ential individuals of that time but rather, the news was first revealed to shepherds watching over their flock at night.

"This signifies the idea that Jesus does not discriminate between the rich and poor, but rather loves every individual indiscriminately," he said.

In light of this, MLA Muivah urged all to contemplate on the core message of Christmas which is goodwill towards all humankind.

"If we can all embrace this message without differentiation based on race, beliefs, or communities, we can overcome challenges and conflicts and foster love and peace in our society," he said.

In his Christmas message, Archdiocese of Imphal father Joseph M Thohrii said, "Christmas in its true spirit also calls for renewal of oneself and reflect on the humility of Christ being born in a manger on a cold winter night in Bethlehem 2000 years ago".

According to father Thohrii, in the church liturgy, four Sundays of forty days precede in preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ, so that when the 'Prince of Peace' is born, the faithful will be worthy to receive Him in their hearts and in their home.

"As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, 'my gift' and 'your gift' will be incomplete unless our gifts, prayers, hopes, joy and love are shared through Christ together with our neighbours , friends and loved ones.

The gift of peace, the gift of love and the gift of joy.

May all these be yours at Christmas," he added.

Meanwhile, Katho Katamnao Long (KKL) president Mashungmi Zingkhai has also extended Christmas and New Year greetings, expressing wishes that celebrations of Christmas and New Year will bring peace, love, unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.

With the holiday season in full swing, the town's residents eagerly awaited the arrival of baby Jesus and the joyous festivities that followed.

Earlier in the day, the town streets burst into a frenzy of merriment, echoing with music, laughter, and joy.

Despite being Sunday, the local markets and shops were abuzz with activity as people flocked to purchase last-minute gifts and treats for their loved ones.

Street vendors lined the roads, selling items ranging from clothes to delectable delicacies and trinkets, adding to the festive vibe.

But the jubilations did not end there.

From carol singing to illuminated Christmas trees, the town reverberated with the spirit of Christmas.

The town's residents, especially local youth came together to spread love and cheer by organising various events and activities including musical performances at Gandhi Chawk, Phungreitang and other locations in the town.

Local churches have lined up welcome and midnight services at their respective campuses, while some other churches have scheduled morning worship services on Monday.

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