Udupi, December 16: In a spectacular display of artistry, faith, and communal harmony, Udupi witnessed a heartwarming celebration of Christmas with the grand event, “Christmas Kristotsava – 2024.” The celebration took place at the PU College grounds and was organized by the United Christian Forum of Udupi, aiming to rekindle the true essence of Christmas through a mesmerizing dance drama portraying the birth of Jesus Christ.
The event was the result of a collaborative effort by prominent organizations, including the United Christian Forum of Udupi, Lombard Memorial Hospital, Karnataka Yuva Sangha, and the Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The star attraction of the evening was a captivating performance titled “The Story of Jesus’ Birth,” brought to life by an ensemble of 60 talented artists from Korea and Bengaluru. Enhanced by innovative soundscapes and breathtaking light effects, the production created an immersive experience that left the audience enthralled.
Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Southern Diocese, delivered a stirring address during the program. He spoke passionately about the values Jesus Christ personified – love, peace, and humility – and urged the audience to embrace these principles in their daily lives. His words served as a poignant reminder of the need for unity and compassion in today’s world.
Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of the Udupi Diocese further enriched the evening with a moving message. He emphasized Christmas as a festival of love and shared the profound symbolism of Jesus Christ’s birth. “God’s gift of His only Son is a message of divine compassion, where the spiritual meets the human,” said Bishop Lobo. Encouraging everyone to live lives defined by humility, peace, and service, he urged attendees to carry the spirit of Christmas beyond the festive season and into their daily lives.
The celebration commenced with a vibrant and symbolic balloon release, representing hope, joy, and renewal. This ceremonial inauguration set the perfect tone for the evening’s festivities. One of the most cherished highlights was a soul-stirring rendition of the classic Christmas hymn “Silent Night,” performed by clergy from various Christian denominations. Sung in five languages – Konkani, Kannada, Tulu, Malayalam, and English – the hymn beautifully underscored the diversity and unity of the Christian community, eliciting heartfelt applause from the attendees.
Adding to the significance of the event was the presence of esteemed dignitaries and community leaders. Notable attendees included Rev. Dr. Simon Abraham, Director of Karnataka Institute of Theology; Dr. Sushil Jathanna, Director of Lombard Memorial Hospital; Mr Prashant Jathanna, Vice President of the Karnataka Christian Federation; Mr Santhosh D’Souza, President of the Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr Jun ChoongYeol, representative of the International Mental Education Institute.
The event was also graced by prominent clergy members, women leaders, and representatives from various congregations, whose collective presence lent an atmosphere of unity and grace.
The evening’s proceedings were expertly anchored by Suchith, whose engaging and eloquent compering kept the audience connected throughout the program. The formal proceedings concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Prashant Jathanna. He expressed sincere gratitude to all the organizers, participants, and attendees, acknowledging their collective effort in making the event a resounding success.
“Christmas Kristotsava – 2024” was not just a celebration but a beautiful reminder of the core values that the Christmas season represents – love, peace, humility, and unity. The artistic portrayal of Jesus Christ’s birth, combined with powerful messages of faith and togetherness, left an indelible impression on all who attended. As the evening drew to a close, participants departed with hearts full of joy and a renewed commitment to spreading peace, goodwill, and compassion in their lives throughout the year.
Udupi’s celebration of Christmas this year was indeed a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and harmony, showcasing the beauty of faith brought to life through art and community.
