Gloomy Christmas in India

It was an unusually sombre-looking Christmas in India this year. The Yuletide cheer was unanimously toned down in the wake of violence on Christians especially in Orissa, Karnataka, Mumbai terror attacks and the global economic crisis that has affected the nation.

The festive atmosphere was missing and streets looked empty, shoppers missing, and nationwide Christmas festivities subdued. Churches that anticipated huge turnout of pilgrims apparently were discouraged as less people turned up.

Says Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras, "The recent terror attacks in Mumbai and the attacks on churches in Karnataka no doubt created a sense of despair, but our faith makes us believe that God will vindicate all and restore peace. The Christmas Message is one of hope. So we always hope for good things."

Madhu Chandra, member of the All India Christian Council, said: 'The day after Christmas, on Dec 26, it will be a month after the Mumbai terror attacks - an event which shook the entire nation. So many innocent lives were lost… keeping that in mind I don't think people are in the mood to celebrate.

'We want to mourn for the Mumbai victims with the rest of the country. Also, the attacks on the Christian community in Kandhamal in Orissa this August and now the call for a bandh on Christmas have set off a feeling of fear of Fascist forces in the community,' Chandra told IANS.

In Orissa, although there were no reports of violence, Christians apparently celebrated a silent Christmas. Thousands in relief camps, joined prayers and church services, even as memories of their homes and properties burnt still haunts them.

More than 50,000 people were left homeless in the August violence that was sparked by the murder of a local VHP leader.

Archbishop of Cuttack-bhubaneshwar, Raphael Cheenath, had earlier advised churches and Christians in remote areas in Kandhamal against midnight mass or prayer services. He, along with the Catholic Bishops Council of India (CBCI), urged Christians to celebrate a low-profile Christmas.