Christmas was celebrated with deep religious fervour and harmony at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Srinagar on Wednesday, as the small Christian minority of the Valley gathered to mark the birth of Jesus Christ with prayers, hymns and special services.

Despite being a very small community in Kashmir, members of the Christian faith came together in large numbers to celebrate the festival, offering special prayers for peace, prosperity and wellbeing of the Valley, the country and the entire world.

The church premises were beautifully decorated, and the Christmas Mass was attended not only by Christians but also by several Muslim locals, who visited the church to witness the celebrations and understand how Christmas is observed.

Speaking on the occasion, the parish priest, Father Joseph, said that Christmas carries a universal message of love, peace and brotherhood. “Christmas reminds us to spread love, compassion and hope. Today, we prayed especially for peace in Kashmir and harmony across the world,” he said.

Two local girls, Mayra and Bisma, who also visited the church, said they were curious to learn about Christmas traditions. “We wanted to see how Christmas is celebrated. The decorations, prayers and messages of peace are really beautiful,” Mayra said.

Bisma added, “We came to see the Christmas celebrations and felt a sense of unity here. It is important to respect and understand each other’s faiths.”

The celebrations at the Holy Family Catholic Church once again highlighted Kashmir’s age-old tradition of communal harmony, where people from different faiths come together to share joy, respect and prayers for peace.