Panaji: With the peeling of Christmas Bells and midnight masses across the State’s Churches, Goa ushered into the celebration mode, which will continue till New Year.
The faithfuls attended midnight masses at different Churches across the State. The preparations for Christmas had begun from last week with the markets full of decorative and other items.
In Panaji, the midnight mass was held at Immaculate Conception Church and Don Bosco Church besides others.
The city did not sleep tonight as score of people and tourists were seen on the street which were decorated with Christmas theme.
Goa has 27 per cent of its population believing in Christian faith.
GOVERNOR EXTENDS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
Governor of Goa Dr. (Smt.) Mridula Sinha has conveyed her heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of Christmas.
In her message, the Governor says, “Every year this sacred day is observed with religious zeal, in great merriment, and with sincere prayers all over the world. On this auspicious day, we celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus, who gave us the valuable and eternal message of peace, tolerance, compassion, love and sacrifice. It is an appropriate occasion for us to carry the spirit of Christmas to foster the values that Jesus Christ professed and practiced for the benefit of humanity.”
The Governor further states, “This is an occasion for people to meet their loved ones, leave behind their worries and come together for merry-making. Ours is a secular country, where people belonging to various faiths live in harmony, amity, social solidarity and unity. Religious and spiritual festivals are occasions when we renew these qualities, in order to lead a peaceful and wholesome life. On the eve of Christmas, let us rededicate ourselves to live together as member of one family and work for greater glory and progress of the nation,” the Governor concludes.
CHIEF MINISTER EXTENDS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar has extended greetings and best wishes to the people of the State on the occasion of Christmas.
In his message, the Chief Minister has said that Christmas is an auspicious occasion all around the world. People from all communities come together to observe the occasion with great pomp. It is the time of the year to give to others, bringing in happiness and delight with simple things.
The Chief Minister further states, “Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and rekindles the spirit of peace and harmony. This Christmas, let us resolve to promote unity and be the harbinger of peace and development in the State.”
“Let us all unite and work for the welfare of the State by channelizing all our efforts and energy in ensuring progress of our State. May the joys and festivities continue to radiate each ones lives,” the Chief Minister concludes.
CONGRESS GOA CHIEF GIRISH CHODANKAR EXTENDS GREETINGS
Christmas is a time to celebrate and reflect. It’s the time to celebrate the goodness of mankind, the arrival of hope and the welcome of new ideas, new thoughts and new ventures as the New Year follows the arrival of God’s Son.
I, on behalf of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee would like to extend warm greetings of Christmas and sincere wishes for a very Happy New Year 2019.
As we join together to celebrate this season of goodwill, let our thoughts reach out to those here in Goa and in India who face difficult times this Christmas. Let us pray for hope, harmony and happiness for them in times to come, next year and beyond.
The festive season and the new year is also the time for commitments and collaborations. Let us work together to make Goa and India replete with values of tolerance, respect, friendship and sharing – something that the Spirit of Christmas has taught us for centuries together.
The New Year will be a year of change and hope, let us use this spirit of Christmas to get our Goa back, get our India revived and humanity reincarnated.
Warm Wishes for Peace, Health & Prosperity. Dev Borem Korum
DM IMPOSES BAN ON LANTERN KITES
District Magistrate, South Goa has imposed a complete ban on activities involving use of lantern kites, wish kites and use of laser beam with high intensity lights within 2 kms of Dabolim Airport boundary to avoid danger to the safety of the aircrafts during its landing and takeoff for a period of 60 days with effect from December 11, 2018.
