RAWALPINDI, Dec 23 (APP):The preparations are in full swing to celebrate Christmas in Rawalpindi city as the Christian community living here is preparing to celebrate their festival with religious fervor.
As Christmas around the corner, the Christian community residing here is finalizing its preparations to mark this important occasion in befitting manner.
Stalls carrying Christmas props and Christmas trees were setup at various markets in the twin cities with the start of December while the Christian community was also visiting markets for shopping on their major festival.
While preparing for Christmas, the Christian minority living in Pakistan renew their spirit of celebrating Christmas which continues throughout the month. Different events are organized every year to celebrate Christmas including congregations of Christian community, Christmas cake cutting ceremonies, erection of Christmas trees, distribution of sweets among children by Santa Claus, Christmas Choral competitions among Church Choirs and other programs.
The traditions related to Christmas include decoration of Christmas Trees, Santa Claus, carols and Christmas gifts.
From official gatherings to cake cutting ceremonies in small communities, the joyous occasion fills the atmosphere with colors, symbols and traditions of Christmas.
Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed attending a function organized here on Wednesday night in connection with Christmas at Cathedral Church, Lalkurti lauded the services of the Christian community.
He termed the services of the Christian community to Pakistan invaluable.
He said the message of Jesus Christ was of teaching and preaching peace and love.
Sheikh Rashid said the services of the Christian community for Pakistan were not less than any other community, adding, he felt proud to participate in their celebrations every year.
The services of Christian community particularly in teaching, preaching and healing were invaluable.
The Minister said that the Christian community had played a pivotal role in promotion of education in the country.
The Minister also cut a cake of Christmas on the occasion and congratulated all the participants.
He said, the objective of the celebrations is to express a message of solidarity and unity with the Christian community.
The members of Christian community, all rich and poor prepare for this festivity to signify the birth of Jesus Christ through lighting up the Christmas tree with a cheerful mood.
Groups of young boys and girls prepare carols to present them on Christmas day in melodious tones to celebrate the Christmas functions that bring people together to feast, pray, wish each other well and enjoy the moments.
Youngsters and children seem exciting while waiting for Santa Claus as his vibrant outfit of red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots spreads joy on their faces.
The members of Christian community had started decorating the Christmas trees here with evergreen coniferous tree, real or artificial using different ornaments including baubles, small bells painted gold or silver, stars of different shapes and sizes, pine cones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons made from glass, metal, wood and ceramic.
With the start of December, like other parts of the world, the Christian community living in Pakistan starts preparing for their festival while the areas where Christians live in large number and Churches are decorated with fairy lights, colorful bulbs and the traditional Christmas tree.
Deputy Commissioner, Rawalpindi Muhammad Ali had directed the authorities concerned to finalize all the arrangements including security to facilitate the Christian community on Christmas.
Rawalpindi district police were also finalizing all the arrangements to make the security foolproof for Christmas.
City Traffic Police on Thursday finalized a traffic plan for Christmas while over 302 traffic wardens and officers would be deployed on city roads to ensure smooth flow of traffic. Six special squads have also been formed to control one-wheeling.
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