Ahead of Christmas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas celebration at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian in Delhi on Thursday. Modi was received with a warm welcome, during the celebration he interacted with prominent members of the Christian community, reinforcing the government's commitment to fostering strong ties with the religious group.
"Attended the Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister Shri George Kurian Ji. Also interacted with eminent members of the Christian community," PM Modi said in a post on X.
During the celebration, PM Modi also lighted candles and witnessed several programs.
According to IANS, in June, Kerala BJP unit General Secretary George Kurian was inducted as a Union minister in the third Narendra Modi government. Hailing from Kerala's Kottayam, Kurian is a no-frills BJP leader and is known for his soft-spoken style and being a popular BJP representative on TV news channels. Kurian's ministerial post is being seen as an outreach to the Christian community.
Christmas is an annual festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed by billions of people worldwide on December 25 as a religious and cultural event.
On Christmas, people across the country celebrate 'Christmas Eve' with midnight masses. The churches are decked up for the occasion. Christmas is also a time to commemorate the sacrifices made by Jesus, especially his crucifixion and resurrection.
It is one of the most sacred days in Christianity and it is often spent with friends and family. People set up Christmas trees in their homes and decorate the house with lights and hanging wreaths.
During the day, family and friends gather to celebrate with a feast and gifts. Carol singing, Christmas lights, and richly decked-up Christmas trees are also a part of the celebrations. People also hang a star outside their homes, which according to religious text, symbolises the Star of Bethlehem which The Three Wisemen followed to meet baby Jesus Christ.