Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, will be celebrated in Pabna on 25 December. Festive preparations are now in full swing across Christian neighbourhoods.
Churches and homes are being decorated with colourful lights, Christmas trees are being set up and families are busy with a range of activities to welcome the day. This created a joyful atmosphere ahead of the festival.
Christians around the world celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, was born to Mary in a stable in Bethlehem, and the occasion is being observed with enthusiasm by the community in Pabna as well.
Homes in Christian localities have taken on a festive look, while churches are being adorned with vibrant decorations, and families are spending busy days preparing nativity scenes, arranging lights and decorating Christmas trees.
Relatives from different parts of the country have already started arriving in villages to share the joy of Christmas with their loved ones, while religious processions are being held to spread the message of the birth of Jesus.
Households are also busy welcoming guests, and children are eagerly looking forward to the celebrations, adding to the festive spirit in the area.
Prova Rita Costa from Lautia village in Chatmohar Upazila said they are cleaning and decorating their homes, preparing traditional cakes and looking forward to celebrating Christmas with visiting relatives.
Avas Gomez from Kharbaria village said they are decorating churches and homes, setting up Christmas trees and planning to cut Christmas cakes together as a community, with many relatives already returning home for the festival.
Pastor Ishak Sarkar of Pabna Baptist Church said he hopes people will follow the path of light and goodwill shown by Jesus Christ and celebrate Christmas in peace, adding that prayers will be offered for stability and harmony in the country.
Pabna Superintendent of Police Anwar Zahid said Christmas worship will be held at 24 churches across the district, and comprehensive security measures have been taken to ensure the celebrations are held smoothly and peacefully.
He added that intelligence agencies are also working alongside the police, with security arrangements strengthened around churches and Christian neighbourhoods to maintain law and order during the festival.
