The Christians of different groups in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the world will celebrate Christmas Day, the birthday of first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader Jesus Christ, amid festivity and religious fervour.
They will celebrate the day by offering special prayers, illuminating churches and installing makeshift Christmas trees at homes and places of worship and missions across the country.
Elderly people of the community, attired in the outfit of Santa Claus, usually make fun with children and distribute gifts among kids as part of a universal Christian practise, according to BSS.
The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh.
In separate messages, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted members of the Christian community on the occasion.
They wished peace, welfare and prosperity to all citizens including Christians.
President Abdul Hamid will host a reception for the Christian community leaders at Bangabhaban in Dhaka on Sunday on the occasion of Christmas Day.
“The reception programme for the leaders of the Christian community will begin at 7 pm tomorrow at the Gallery Hall of the Bangabhaban,” President’s press secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS on Saturday evening.
The head of the state is scheduled to exchange greetings with the representatives of Christian community leaders on the occasion.
As many as 30 guests were invited to the Presidential palace, the Bangabhaban spokesman added.
The State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haq Khan, lawmakers, secretaries concerned, some envoys and representatives from different foreign missions, distinguished persons of the Christian community, and religious leaders are expected to attend the reception.
On the holy day, churches in the capital will be illuminated while Christmas trees set up and candles lit at homes and churches by the Christian community to celebrate the event amid religious fervour.
According to the tradition, Santa Clause will distribute sweets and gifts among children in churches on the occasion. This is a 'great day' for children in the Christian community, who sing carols on the occasion in praise of Jesus Christ and God, and exchange gifts.
The national dailies will publish special articles highlighting the importance of the Christmas.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private radio stations and TV channels will air special programmes marking the festival.
