Udupi, Kuntalnagar December 16: The Sauharda Samithi ( Inter-religious Committee) of the Kuntalnagar organised an inter-religious Christmas Celebrations here on December with leaders and people from all communities. Meaningful messages, Christmas Carols, dances, skits, Santa's dance, a special cultural presentation from the Muslim brothers were the highlights of the colourful function.
Most Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Sri Esha Vitaladasa Swamiji of Kemaru Mut, Rt Rev. Mohan Manoraj, the CSI bishop, Janab Moofer Hameed of the Jamia Masjid of Manipura, Rev. Fr Cle,ent Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, Sri Sakarama Shetty, teh president of Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshotssava samithi, Sri Veda Vyasa Upadhyaya, the chief temple priest of Sri Mahalingeshwara temple were the revered guests. They all called upon the members of the audience to promote peace and harmony which is the central message of Christmas. What we need is peace in a world which is torn apart by war, hatred and intolerance. They also invited the members to take care of the nature and environment because Christmas is also a festival of Nature.
Around 1000 people from various walks of life and faiths enjoyed the program. At the end they were entertained by the Santa Claus with his dance with the kids. After the lucky games cake and soft drinks were distributed to all gathered for the celebration. It was a unique and memorable event in this small village called Kuntalanagar and Manipura. Fr Denis D'Sa, the Parish priest of St Antony Church, Kuntalnagar and the President of the sauharda Samithi welcomed. Sri Joseph Kunder, the CSI representative and the convener of the Sauharda Samithi, proposed the vote of thanks
