Pomp and joy filled the Christmas celebrations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as devotees gathered for special prayers and midnight mass. Churches in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and other towns were adorned with decorations and lights, attracting crowds since Wednesday night. The festivities included carol singing, Secret Santa exchanges, and firecracker displays, bringing a festive spirit to the communities.
The celebrations featured various cultural programs organized by churches for different groups, including senior citizens, couples, youngsters, and children. In Secunderabad, notable churches like SCI Wesley Church and St John’s Church saw significant congregations, with prayers emphasizing peace and the significance of Jesus’ birth. The Anglo-Indian community in Lalaguda celebrated in their unique traditional style, complete with homemade cakes and wine.
Christian families across the region attended midnight services in beautifully decorated churches, exchanging greetings and cutting cakes together. The historic Church of South India in Medak, Telangana, known for its grandeur and architectural significance, attracted a large gathering. Christmas festivities also extended to towns like Khammam, Adilabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Amaravati, with special prayers and celebrations held in various churches.
Leaders including Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Governor S. A. Nazeer, and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conveyed warm wishes to the people. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the importance of celebrating with joy and unity, pledging the government’s commitment to the welfare of all religions. He highlighted the teachings of Jesus Christ as a guiding principle for humanity and expressed support for the Christian minority community’s development.
