The Christian community in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world will today celebrate Christmas commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
The biggest religious festival of the Christians, Christmas is also a celebration of rebirth, new beginning, forgiveness and peace, and renewing relationship with the God and humans.
According to Christian belief, Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in a stable in the city of Bethlehem on this day.
It is a public holiday in Bangladesh as in many other countries. Security measures have been beefed up in the capital and elsewhere in the country to ensure peaceful celebration of the day.
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the members of the Christian community on the eve of Christmas Day.
Marking the carnival, Christians will offer special prayers at the churches.
The prayer houses and adjoining areas have already been decked out with colourful tiny blinking lights. Illuminated Christmas trees have been placed with a star standing right on top. Santa Claus will hand out Christmas gifts to the children on the occasion.
Special dishes will be prepared in the families of members of the community and the children will seek blessings from the elders.
In Dhaka, the celebrations begin on Christmas Eve with Christmas carol in hotel lobbies, restaurants, lounges and other public places. The Sonargaon Hotel, Ruposhi Bangla, Radisson and Westin are set to arrange parties featuring carols, games and dance performances.
-With UNB/The Daily Star input
