A banner outside St Joseph’s Cathedral stating that Christmas would be a low-key affair. Picture by Srinivas

Jamshedpur, Dec. 24: Christmas is here, but where are the midnight masses, the grand feasts, or gala celebrations this year?

The church authorities have decided that Christmas would be a low-key affair in the steel city this year.

Unlike previous years, there would not be any Christmas carols, elaborate decorations, sweets and cake distributions and function to be restricted to prayers only.

“After the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, Gujarat and New Delhi and with the tension filled in Kandhamal we did not feel like celebrating Christmas in the usual way. So many people suffered at these places and Kandhamal saw the worst communal violence. At this time we should just pray to Lord for his blessing,” said Father George Mannarakaam at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri

The churches in the city have given decoration amiss also. Stars, lights and Christmas trees are not the sight that would meet the eyes this time. Even Christmas carols are also not to be sung at the churches.

“It is not just terrorist attacks or communal riots for which we have taken the decision. It is violence that has gripped the world so badly and in such a situation we are not in a mood to celebrate. We want to pray that no such incident takes place again. The Almighty should give us the courage to fight against such terrible attacks. The money that we generally use for the decorations would be sent to Kandhamal to help the victims,” said Father Mannarakaam.

Apart from St Joseph’s Cathedral, Emanuel Baptist Church of Sitaramdera has also decided to go the same way.

Emanuel Baptist Church has avoided grand celebrations to greet Jesus Christ and are contributing to help the poor and needy.

“We would pray for world peace this Christmas. Through prayers we would like to spread the message of love, peace and brotherhood and request mankind to serve the destitute. We have collected some clothes which would be distribute among the poor and the needy on Christmas Day,” said Jonathan Mahapatra of Emanuel Baptist Church.

“We did have a choir who would sing through the city. This has been arranged as people expect something on Christmas Day. But, we are not going for any celebrations other than just prayers this year,” said Father Vijay Bhat of Lupita Hall, Telco.