17 hours Ago
Pune: A palpable sense of excitement and festive cheer pervaded the city streets on Tuesday evening as the clock ticked closer to Christmas. Groups of families and friends were seen savouring snacks, buying balloons, and donning Santa hats as they filled the vibrant MG Road. "Since the time I and my wife were dating, we have been coming to MG Road on Christmas eve just to bask in the festivities.
Now, we come with our kids. Celebrating Christmas Eve in Camp has its own charm. The city becomes a melting pot of cultures and celebrations," said Rohit Damle, a resident of Fatimanagar.
"Christmas is a festival celebrated by all. We come for the midnight mass every year to meet school friends," said Jyoti Bhaduri, on her annual visit to St Patrick'S Cathedral on Prince of Wales Drive," said Premila Mhatre, who came all the way from Pimpri to celebrate the festival with her friends. In Solapur Bazaar and Pimpri, carollers took to the streets, spreading joy and cheer with their harmonious voices.
Passers-by couldn't help but smile as the familiar tunes of Christmas carols filled the air. "Listening to the songs belted out by carollers puts me in the Christmas spirit. It's a beautiful tradition that reminds us of the true meaning of the season," said Rahul Desa, who attended the midnight mass at St Patrick's Cathedral along with his family.
Churches across the city were packed for midnight mass, with many services starting as early as 8 pm to accommodate the crowd of devotees. The air was filled with the melodious strains of carols and hymns, adding to the spiritual essence of the occasion. In his message for Christmas, Rt Rev John Rodrigues, Bishop of Poona, said, "Christmas is a feast of great joy.
For each one of us and the whole family as we experience the joy of family togetherness, for the Church as we gather to praise God for the birth of Jesus, and for the world as we pray God will bring true peace." At St Thomas Catholic Church in Dapodi, festivities are in full swing. Fr Jenson Poruthur said, "Keeping in tune with the story and spirit of Christmas, we held a star-making competition for the children of the parish.
It was an exercise that showcased creativity and above all the spirit of sharing joy, which is also our message for this year. We are expecting at least 500 people for the midnight mass on the eve of Christmas, and then 200 people on the day of Christmas. Like every year, this year, too, the festivities began with setting up the crib, decorations, and distribution of sweets and cakes, all in the service of spreading joy.
" "Regular practises not only help us improve musically but also usher in the joy of the festival. Spreading joy through songs is the main focus of every choir," said Nisha Monteiro, a choir member at St Xavier's Church in Camp. Many citizens also ventured out to various nightclubs and pubs in the city, where lavish Christmas Eve parties were in full swing.
With a spread of delectable food, flowing drinks, and pulsating music, revellers danced the night away in style, embracing the festive spirit with unbridled enthusiasm. "For me, Christmas Eve is all about letting oneself loose and having a good time with friends. The energy in the city is just electric, and it's the perfect way to shake off all the stress," said Deepa Das, an IT professional.
Pune: A palpable sense of excitement and festive cheer pervaded the city streets on Tuesday evening as the clock ticked closer to Christmas. Groups of families and friends were seen savouring snacks, buying balloons, and donning Santa hats as they filled the vibrant MG Road. "Since the time I and my wife were dating, we have been coming to MG Road on Christmas eve just to bask in the festivities.
Now, we come with our kids. Celebrating Christmas Eve in Camp has its own charm. The city becomes a melting pot of cultures and celebrations," said Rohit Damle, a resident of Fatimanagar.
"Christmas is a festival celebrated by all. We come for the midnight mass every year to meet school friends," said Jyoti Bhaduri, on her annual visit to St Patrick'S Cathedral on Prince of Wales Drive," said Premila Mhatre, who came all the way from Pimpri to celebrate the festival with her friends. In Solapur Bazaar and Pimpri, carollers took to the streets, spreading joy and cheer with their harmonious voices.
Passers-by couldn't help but smile as the familiar tunes of Christmas carols filled the air. "Listening to the songs belted out by carollers puts me in the Christmas spirit. It's a beautiful tradition that reminds us of the true meaning of the season," said Rahul Desa, who attended the midnight mass at St Patrick's Cathedral along with his family.
Churches across the city were packed for midnight mass, with many services starting as early as 8 pm to accommodate the crowd of devotees. The air was filled with the melodious strains of carols and hymns, adding to the spiritual essence of the occasion. In his message for Christmas, Rt Rev John Rodrigues, Bishop of Poona, said, "Christmas is a feast of great joy.
For each one of us and the whole family as we experience the joy of family togetherness, for the Church as we gather to praise God for the birth of Jesus, and for the world as we pray God will bring true peace." At St Thomas Catholic Church in Dapodi, festivities are in full swing. Fr Jenson Poruthur said, "Keeping in tune with the story and spirit of Christmas, we held a star-making competition for the children of the parish.
It was an exercise that showcased creativity and above all the spirit of sharing joy, which is also our message for this year. We are expecting at least 500 people for the midnight mass on the eve of Christmas, and then 200 people on the day of Christmas. Like every year, this year, too, the festivities began with setting up the crib, decorations, and distribution of sweets and cakes, all in the service of spreading joy.
" "Regular practises not only help us improve musically but also usher in the joy of the festival. Spreading joy through songs is the main focus of every choir," said Nisha Monteiro, a choir member at St Xavier's Church in Camp. Many citizens also ventured out to various nightclubs and pubs in the city, where lavish Christmas Eve parties were in full swing.
With a spread of delectable food, flowing drinks, and pulsating music, revellers danced the night away in style, embracing the festive spirit with unbridled enthusiasm. "For me, Christmas Eve is all about letting oneself loose and having a good time with friends. The energy in the city is just electric, and it's the perfect way to shake off all the stress," said Deepa Das, an IT professional.
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