Christmas: Religion no bar

Christmas calls for celebrations in real terms. Here are a few non-Christians from North Delhi who are attending Midnight Masses and decking up the Christmas tree. If you thought Christmas is celebrated by only one community, then think again. There are numerous non-Christian families also who celebrate this popular festival with the same level of zeal and excitement. Midnight Masses on the eve of Christmas is what most of the North Delhiites get tempted to attend. The entire dramatization of the birth of Lord Christ is what fascinates people. Churches are usually crowded with lots of people queuing up to get inside and see the proceedings. "It’s really great to see so many candles lit up by the people; it’s just like the way people light so many diyas on Diwali. The best part of this Mass is that before the readings people sing jingles and hymns with candles in their hands. It’s just an amazing scene," says Deepti Bakolia with a twinkle in her eyes. Deepti gets her brother, Siddharth along to attend Special Mass on this eve. "Well, after all, a cuppa coffee and piece of Christmas cake are what I look forward to having as that’s really yummy," exclaims Siddharth.Though many might not be able to make it to the Midnight Mass in the church, they still celebrate it with a lot of vigour. Small little parties are organised at home on this day with families getting an opportunity to spend some time together. For Nupur Makhija, a financial analyst, from Shakti Nagar, it is more of a day for her to dress in red and white and have loads of fun with her friends and family members. Though she has attended the midnight service previously, now, due to her busy schedule, she is not able to make it to the church anymore. "Till the time I was in college, I used to have parties at my place and even decorate a Christmas tree. We still celebrate Christmas, with all of us involved in some or other activities. While my mother prepares special cake on this day, I take up the decoration part," says Nupur. Anup Thomas from Sector-13 Rohini finds it real fun to take his non-Christian friends along in the Church near Pitampura. "Now, for the last three years, my friends are coming regularly with me on 25," explains Anup.So, it’s not just the cookies, cakes and the jingling bells that have remained the centre of attraction for the non-Christian families of North Delhi; rather people have entered the premises of the church. They enjoy watching the birth of Jesus Christ and join their fellow Christians in the hymns.