President Murmu, PM Modi greet people on Christmas Day 2022; know why Xmas is celebrated?

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several other leaders greeted people on Christmas 2022, which is marked as birth of Jesus Christ, on Sunday.

President of India, Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Christmas. In a message, the President has said, “I extend my heartiest greetings to all the countrymen, especially Christian brothers and sisters on the festival of Christmas.

“This festival is a symbol of peace and brotherhood for the entire mankind. On this day we remember the message of compassion and sacrifice given by Jesus Christ. The festival of Christmas inspires us to treat each other with love and kindness,” President said in her message.

PM Modi in his greetings said that may this special day further the spirit of harmony and joy in our society. He tweeted, "Merry Christmas! May this special day further the spirit of harmony and joy in our society. We recall the noble thoughts of Lord Christ and the emphasis on serving society."

Similarly, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended Christmas greetings to the people of the state and appealed to them to take all precautions in view of COVID-19.

"@myogiadityanath has extended greetings and wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Christmas. The chief minister said that this festival gives the message of helping the needy and sharing happiness," the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a tweet in Hindi.

And, wishing everyone on the occasion, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant tweeted, “Christmas season is filled with warmth and joy. Merry Christmas to all. May everyone's life be filled with peace, health, and prosperity.”

Christmas cheer rang out through the bustling Hazratganj area of Lucknow as worshippers flocked St. Joseph's Cathedral to take part in the midnight mass and lit candles. The cathedral compound was decked up with Christmas lights and stars.

Outside, vendors selling Santa caps and revellers clicking photos with the imposing cathedral in the background lined the streets, while horse-mounted policemen were seen making rounds in the area.

Meanwhile, in Goa, locals and tourists welcomed the Christmas festival with prayers and midnight masses and held celebrations throughout the night on beaches and other prominent places in the coastal state.

The festivities began at around 11 pm on Saturday in various churches and chapels and continued till the early hours of Sunday. At midnight, parishioners dressed in formal attire marked the birth of Lord Jesus.

Goa has nearly 30 per cent Christian population. This is the first Christmas celebration being held without any restrictions after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Christmas is celebrated?

Christians is celebrated as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. It is remembered as the birth of Jesus Christ, according to Christians who is believed to be the Son of God.

The name 'Christmas' comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died and then came back to life.

With PTI Inputs