HYDERABAD: Think winters and one fondly associates a season of festive revelry as Christmas and the New Year are celebrated with much gusto in the Twin Cities.
This is the season to renew one’s vows and start afresh in life’s endeavours.
If numbers are anything to go by, the turnout at the Parade Grounds last night stands proof to the zest and spiritual vigour of city denizens, regardless of caste, religion or creed. The Yesu Christu Ashirvada Pandagalu, a threeday congregation seeking the blessings of the Almighty flagged off in style, with the articulate Brother Anil Kumar at the helm.
No Christmas celebration is complete without a generous helping of music, spreading cheer and joy to listeners.
The 200-strong choir resonated with powerful songs, to which a sizable portion of the audience joined in unison.
Apart from choral renditions, the first day of the celebrations featured dance performances by young artists. Rev.
Sinha addressed the audience, rousing them to ecstasy as the crowd made a beeline for the prayer booth of solace.
As the choir continued passionately, singing the Glory of the Lord, the tabla, saxophone and drums, led by Reverend Rathnam, built up to a tumultuous crescendo.
An acclaimed speaker, who has preached all over the world, Brother Kumar now took on the stage and implored the gathering to follow the Holy Bible to cultivate faith.
“Obedience brings faith,” were his resounding words as the crowd cheered in approval.
Imploring the assembled to live a life of compassion, Brother Kumar expressed concern with maintaining one’s faith and love in the times of civil unrest and acts of terrorism, stating, “there must be peace and harmony among all communities.” “Jesus Christ is not a God for religion, but of building and nurturing relationships,” he added. The Blessings Festival will continue till December14.