Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS) - Christmas Day, the biggest religious 
festival of the Christian community marking the birth of Jesus Christ, was 
celebrated in the port city as elsewhere in the district with festivity and 
fanfare.

Churches and adjoining areas were decorated with colorful tiny blinking-
lights and illuminated Christmas trees.

On the occasion, special dishes were prepared at the families of the 
community and the children were seen seeking blessings from the elders.

Apart from organising special prayers in churches, cutting Christmas cakes, 
carol singing, the exchange of pleasantries and decoration of Christmas trees 
and houses of the members of the Christian community were the major features 
of the day.

The Christmas festival began with two rounds of special prayers in Bengali 
and English at Patharghata Holy Jopmala Rani Church in the city last night. 

James Victor, a teacher and cultural organiser, told journalists that there 
was a festive atmosphere in and around the all places of worship as well as 
Christian community centering the auspicious occasion.

"We have decorated Christmas trees inside Churches and homes, prepared 
delicious cakes and pies to entertain the guests. Gifts, chocolates were 
distributed among children and teenagers as per tradition of the festival," 
he said.

Different Churches in the city, including Patharghata and Jamal Khan Road 
vibrated with daylong visits by Christians people where they offered special 
prayers. 

Christian religious leaders in the port city exchanged pleasantries with 
dignitaries on the occasion.

Chief Priest of the Patharghata Cathedral Church Father Archbishop Lawrence 
Subrata Howlader CSC along with local elites sliced the X-mas cake at the 
reception function in the presence of a good number of dignitaries.

City Mayor Dr Shahdat Hossain visited Patharghata Cathedral Church last 
night. Local elite exchanged greetings with the leaders of Christian 
community in Chattogram.

Besides, Hotel Agrabad, Hotel Peninsula Chattogram arranged a "Kids'Party 
with Shanta" to mark the holy day. 

A huge-sized Christmas cake was cut by the hotel authorities with the 
children of different ages who were present there.

Chattogram metropolitan police have taken tight security for ensuring 
peaceful celebration of the day.