Odisha celebrates Christmas with midnight prayers, churches decked up to mark festivities

Christmas began with religious devotion and festive fervour across Odisha, with churches witnessing large congregations during midnight prayers. Churches remained crowded until late hours as believers assembled to participate in special services held at midnight, symbolising the birth of Jesus Christ.

After prayers and readings from the Bible, members of the Christian community exchanged greetings, embraced one another and offered wishes to mark the festival.

Midnight Services Draw Large Congregations

In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, churches reported steady footfall from the evening hours, with devotees attending special midnight masses. The services included prayers, hymns and readings recounting the nativity of Jesus Christ. Worshippers were seen paying homage by offering prayers before symbolic representations of the infant Jesus.

Similar scenes were reported from other parts of the state, including Puri and Rourkela, where churches were illuminated and remained active until after midnight. Devotees gathered in large numbers to observe the traditional midnight service, which holds special religious significance during Christmas celebrations.

Churches Illuminated, Nativity Scenes Set Up

Church premises across Odisha have been decorated with colourful lights, stars, Christmas trees, balloons and arches.

Visuals highlighted nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, which were set up using figurines and thatched structures, recreating the biblical setting of his birth. These displays attracted devotees, many of whom paused to offer prayers and reverence at the nativity installations.

Believers were also seen kissing the symbolic feet or figures of the infant Jesus as a gesture of devotion.

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Kandhamal And Phulbani Witness Grand Celebrations

In Kandhamal district, Christmas was celebrated with particular enthusiasm at the Daringbadi Catholic Church, where Christian families gathered in large numbers.

A special service was conducted by priests, followed by Bible readings and prayers. Devotees welcomed the infant Jesus with hymns and devotional songs, offering kisses to the symbolic representation of the child and singing in praise.

With the midnight observances concluded, Christmas celebrations are to continue through the day on Thursday, with families visiting churches, exchanging greetings and participating in community gatherings.

Church authorities confirmed that Christmas services and prayers are scheduled at various intervals throughout the day, as believers continue to mark the occasion.