Daijiworld Media Network- (NP)
Udupi, Dec 15: The 'Christmas Christhotsava – 2024' event, organized by the United Christian Forum of Udupi, Lombard Mission Hospital, Karnataka Yuvaka Sangha, and the Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together Christian communities in a grand celebration. Around 60 Korean artists performed a spectacular show that blended sound and light in a unique manner.
Rt Rev Hemachandra Kumar, bishop of CSI, Karnataka Southern Diocese, expressed his joy during the Christmas season, saying, "I become very happy during the season of Christmas because we wait for 11 months for this celebration. This event is significant because it brings together different Christian communities to spread the message of God. The teaching of God reminds us to connect with both Him and with people, as He created us all. To all the people gathered here, God bless you. I also extend my blessings to the Korean team for their performance."
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of the Udupi Diocese, emphasized the importance of love and peace during Christmas. "Christmas is the celebration of Christ, which teaches us love, love for Christ and love for people. Not only love but also peace. Blessed are those who work for peace. Jesus Christ abandoned divinity to embrace humanity, and everyone should adopt peace, love, and humanity in their lives. Let this Christmas be a time of love and peace. I wish everyone a very good Christmas."
The event was inaugurated with the release of balloons by dignitaries.
As part of the celebrations, a Korean troupe presented the story of the birth of Jesus Christ through an elaborate dance drama. The 60-member team, consisting of artists from Korea and Bengaluru, captivated the audience with pre-recorded Kannada songs, music, and a mesmerizing sound and light display.
The hymn 'Silent Night' was sung in Konkani, Kannada, Tulu, Malayalam, and English by Christian leaders from all congregations, further enchanting the audience.
The program featured cultural performances by Christ the King Church, Karkala; Trinity Central School, Perampally; St Mary's School, Kannarpady, Udupi; Lombard Mission Hospital, Udupi; Christ School, Manipal; Mount Rosary School, Santhekatte; St Cecily's School, Udupi; Carols by St Mary's English Medium School, Kannarpady; and a Pastors' Song by Rev Ivan Soans and team.
Other notable attendees included Rev Simon Abraham, principal of the Karnataka Institute of Theology; Dr Sushil Jathanna, director of Lombard Memorial Hospital and coordinator of the Organizing Committee; Prashant Jathanna, vice president of the Karnataka All-Christian Council; Santosh D'Silva, president of the Coastal Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Jun Chang Yiol from the International Mental Health Organization; Rev Ivan D’Souza, Udupi CSI Congregation moderator; Rev M C Mathai, Vicar General of St Mary’s Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar; Ebenezer Christopher Karkada of the UBM Church; pastor K V Paul of the Full Gospel Assembly; Rev Charles Menezes of the Udupi Mother of Sorrows Church; and several other church leaders.
Dr Sushil Jathanna welcomed the gathering, Prashanth Jathanna delivered the vote of thanks, and Suchith Kotian and Fr Denis D'Sa compered the event.