Sheikh Iraj

The Christian community in Bangladesh and all around the world are preparing to celebrate Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, on December 25.
When we think of Christmas, called ‘Boro Din’ in Bangla, things like Christmas tree and decorations, Santa Claus, gifts, greeting cards, carol music and special feasts come to our mind.
The churches make festive preparations to celebrate the big day. They put up fairy lights and bright decorations, make a nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus in a manger, and prayers and blessings are spread all around. At home, people decorate an evergreen pine tree with colourful lights and glittery ornaments, with a huge star or an angel on top. And of course, beautifully wrapped presents are placed underneath the tree, ready to be opened on the day.
Members of the Christian community visit churches and take part in special services and sing carols on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They also give generously to charity and those less fortunate.
Christmas brings great joy to people of all ages, especially for the young. Children wait for Santa Claus to come and make their wishes come true. A traditional Christmas dinner is an exciting part of the day. Families cook and serve various mouthwatering dishes as everyone seats and eats together around a nicely adorned table. Bakery items like cakes, cookies, various types of pies are made. Beefsteaks, pot roast and different types of kebabs, tuna salad and baked salmon are among the specialties of a Christmas dinner in Bangladesh.
This week, Y&I spoke with some Christian youths to find out how they celebrate Christmas.  
Joshua Aaron, who recently got admitted to North South University, said on the occasion, family and friends come together for a feast after an evening of prayer on Christmas Eve (December 24).
“Christmas means spending time with family members whom we haven’t seen in a long time. Christmas is that time of the year where everyone around you is happy. They shower each other with presents. But that’s what adults do, whereas, I sit around all day eating, laughing, making others laugh and enjoying the gifts I just got!” Aaron said.
Robert Haldar, said he goes to church along with his family on Christmas morning.
“Normally, many people tend to visit their villages during the Christmas holiday in Bangladesh. Also, decorating a Christmas tree is a wonderful experience, but nowadays, many opt to buy (artificial) Christmas trees which are already decorated. Many neighbours and family members come to visit. After spending some quality time with the family, I like to hang out with my friends, though some of my friends prefer to listen to music and watch movies. During the Christmas dinner, we all seat together and enjoy different types of cakes, pies and mostly meat-based dishes,” Haldar said, adding: “I would like to wish a Merry Christmas to everyone!”  
Patrick Purification Drishya, a student of Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX), described how people celebrate Christmas in many ways.
“Many people decorate their homes, gardens and a Christmas trees with lights and much more. It is common to organise a special meal. Children in particular receive a lot of gifts from their parents and relatives. People sing Christmas carols which are songs praising God and Jesus Christ, mostly reminiscing the birth of Christ Our Lord. Children distribute Christmas cards among each other and receive blessings from their elders on this special day. Usually, I celebrate Christmas with my family at my village. Being a member of the Catholic Church, we usually join the special Christmas mass in our own locality. After the mass, there are arrangements for carol competition and pitha-puli (pies) distribution. In a word, Christmas Day is a great chance for reunion of all the Christian people. Then in the afternoon, the young people arrange some cultural functions where people of all ages usually take part. Also a grand meal is hosted by the Church community. The day is celebrated in joy and sharing with near and dear ones,” said Drishya.
William Halder, a student, explained that Christmas is all about festive gatherings and sharing.
“Baniachar, a village in Gopalganj district where my hometown is, has its own way of celebrating Christmas. The church holds a programme at 12am on the 25th which is attended by all the Christians. After the programme, everyone gets ready and starts preparing a Christmas feast for lunch. This feast is where all the villagers gather and celebrate Christmas. I usually help with collecting the donations, and help to serve food during the lunch feast. For me, Christmas means a busy day, but in the end, it is quite fun and enjoyable,” said Halder.