Bhubaneswar Gears Up For Christmas Celebration; Know Church Timings

Bhubaneswar: Churches across the capital city are all set to welcome people on Christmas. Lights have been strung, choirs are practising carols and skits are being readied. The prominent churches have put up their schedules, and pre-celebrations have already begun.

The Union Church has arranged for a Christmas eve celebration where choirs are gearing up to ring in the festival, with many groups rehearsing carols for the midnight mass from 11 pm to 12.30 am on Saturday.

A member of the Church, Sandeep Kumar told Odisha Bytes, “There will be a special program for people at Union Church at 11.30 am and 6.30 pm on Christmas along with English and Odia worships at 10 am and 3.30 pm respectively.”

The celebrations had already begun a week before on December 18. “An Odia Christmas carol followed by two prize-giving ceremonies on December 20 and 21 where children also received the gifts. An English Christmas carol was also held on December 22,” said Kumar.

Likewise, a large number of people also visit St. Vincent’s Pro Cathedral Church at Satya Nagar every year to light candles and pray to Jesus Christ.

“This year, people can visit the church for midnight mass from 11 pm on Christmas Eve and at 8 am on Sunday for morning prayer,” Assistant priest Anant Singh told Odisha Bytes. Visitors can buy candles and roses outside the church to offer.