Lucknow: On the eve of Christmas, Ramakrishna Math, Nirala Nagar, resonated with spiritual fervour and festive joy as devotees from various parts of the city gathered to celebrate the festival in a serene and devotional atmosphere. The celebration reflected the Math’s long-standing tradition of honouring festivals of different faiths, symbolising the unity of religions.
The Math compound was beautifully decorated with an artistic depiction of Jesus Christ and infant Jesus seated in the lap of Mother Mary. The backdrop was adorned with an elegant arrangement of plants, colourful flowers, fruits, biscuits, cakes and candles, creating a visually captivating setting. A small figurine of Santa Claus was also placed, adding to the festive charm.
The programme began with formal worship, meditation, aarti and offerings of flowers, fruits, incense and sweets. This was followed by the collective singing of Christmas carols, which filled the vast temple premises with resonant melodies. The harmonious blend of devotional songs and musical instruments created a radiant and uplifting spiritual ambience.
Sister Meera spoke in English on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ, drawing references from the Bible and highlighting the message of love, compassion and sacrifice. This was followed by a devotional hymn on Baby Jesus, presented by Swami Vishwadevananda of Ramakrishna Math.
Later, Swami Ramadhishananda elaborated on the core message of Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, emphasising values such as humility, peace and service to humanity. Addressing the gathering, Swami Muktinathananda, President of Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow, said that Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, known as unique symbols of interfaith harmony, celebrate Christmas with deep reverence and joy. He noted that Christmas holds a special place in the tradition of the Math and Mission, and is observed in a distinctive manner across almost all their centres, usually within the main temple itself.
The celebration concluded with the collective singing of the popular Christmas hymns “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night, Holy Night”, followed by the distribution of Christmas cake and prasad among devotees, marking a joyful and harmonious end to the festivities.
