Christmas In Odisha’s Jatni Is A Close-Knit Community Affair

Bhubaneswar: Jatni, a small suburban town near Bhubaneswar is known for many things. From its celebration of Ganesh puja to being home to two of the most honourable institutions, IIT and NISER. People of many communities live in Jatni and they speak various languages.

It is also known to be home to the highest number of Anglo-Indians in Odisha.
The Anglo-Indian community here is like a close-knit family, sharing their joys and sorrows together.

Christmas is the biggest festival of Christians and this community looks forward to this cosy season every year. They love to spend time celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

The celebrations start from December 24 and go on till January 1 or 2.
Every year there is a Christmas tree function for the little children on this day and at 11 pm, a midnight mass with the choir starts and ends at 1 am. Jatni has the Roman Catholic Church, Odia Baptist Church, Bethel Chapel, Evangelical Union Baptist Church and St John Church.

On the big day, December 25, they enjoy a day at home with their beloved family members and enjoy homemade food, seasonal snacks and some wine.
Their celebrations don’t end here. On December 26, another exciting event takes place where every young woman participates and competes for the title of ‘Miss X-Mass’ with one of them getting crowned ‘X-Mas Queen’. “Everyone looks forward to it,” says Sharin Ann Leake, who was crowned in 2019.

On December 29, there’s a badminton game night for children and adults. Then on December 31, there’s a ‘Miss Jatni’ contest.

The year 2020, however, was a tough one as many who were living abroad couldn’t visit their familes here, and all the gatherings were cancelled.

This year, “although restrictions have been lifted, the fear of the virus continues,” says D.V. Fernandes, retired IAF officer, who couldn’t see his two daughters who live in Australia due to international travel restrictions.

COVID or no COVID, the spirit of Christmas remains alive here.