KATHMANDU, Dec 25: In remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, people from the Christian community are celebrating Christmas today.
Jesus Christ was born on December 25, 2,025 years ago in Bethlehem, Israel. Born to the Virgin Mary, who was pregnant through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ brought three main blessings, as shared by CB Gahatraj, President of the Federation of National Christian Nepal (FNCN).
According to him, these three blessings symbolize Christmas: Love, Peace, and Salvation, based on the belief tham to the world. He reminded that since Jesus came to spread love, Christmas is celebrated as Love Day; since he came to establish peace, it is also celebrated as Peace Day; and since he came to bring salvation, it is celebrated as Salvation Day as well. While Christmas is celebrated by many people across the world for centuries, in Nepal, the fellowship began celebrating it as a festival after 2063 BS.
Christmas fever grips Kathmanduities
On this occasion, a public holiday was granted from 2063 BS to 2074 BS. From 2075 BS to 2077 BS, however, the holiday was only given to Christians. In any case, since 2078 BS, a public holiday has been granted to everyone on this occasion.
The fellowship claims that there are 3.5 million Christians in Nepal. It also states that more than 15,000 churches have been established. The churches from all 13 Christian denominations exist in Nepal.
The Christmas Festival 2081 BS will be held this afternoon, organized by the main organizing committee of the fellowship. Chairman Gahatraj said that the event, taking place at the Nepal Academy Hall in Kamaladi, will be attended by representatives from the government as well as all political parties.
Recently, Christmas trees have been decorated at major landmarks in the main cities. The decorations are particularly aimed at attracting foreign tourists from Christian community. The festive atmosphere of Christmas is most evident in tourist areas such as Thamel, Boudha, Pokhara, and Sauraha. Preparations are underway to celebrate Christmas as the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ at these locations.
