Christmas celebrated in Christian village of Jhalakathi

Like other countries in the world, the birthday of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, is being celebrated in Bangladesh with due religious solemnity, joy, festivities and prayers.

On this occasion, celebrations are going on in every house of a Christian family living in Rajbaria village of Mollarhat union of Nalchiti upazila, the only Christian village of Jhalakathi.

Their houses have been decorated with red stars and colorful lights since two days ago.

Jhalakathi Deputy Commissioner Md. Momin Uddin, Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Jobayer Habib, Assistant Commissioner Rizbi Ahmed Sabuj and other officials from various levels of administration went to exchange greetings in the only Christian village of the district.

At this time, the guests cut the Christmas cake with the church's Father Antony Susantan Gomez.

Since the morning, various types of pithapulis have been prepared in every house to entertain the guests. A Christmas tree and a cowshed have been decorated in front of the village. Overall, there is increased excitement among the residents.

Susantan Gomez said that Christians settled in this region two hundred years or so ago during the Portuguese rule. Many have settled in this region for generations. The current population of this village is about 400 people in 30 families.

He also said, 'According to Christian beliefs, Jesus Christ was born on this day in Bethlehem, Palestine, to guide humanity to the path of truth, justice and peace and to spread the glory of the Creator.

Palash Robin Gomez, one of the organizers of the Christmas festival in this village, said that the new king would receive Christ 9 days before Christmas. The Novena Khistra Yoga or confession of sins was held in the village. Later, Nagarakrittan or the message of Jesus was performed in every house with dancing and singing.

On Christmas morning, there will be a festive breakfast, cake cutting and guest reception for everyone, young and old. A discussion meeting has been organized in the church in the afternoon on the occasion of Christmas.