Says Fr Sagayanathan of St Patrick’s Church on Museum Road, Christmas is about giving. “This year we are emphasising the joy of giving because that’s what Christmas is about,” he said. “Getting is good, but giving is better.”
The church distributes donated clothes and other items to the poor every year. People of different faiths, from all over Bangalore, benefit.
For Navin Pochan, Christmas is also about giving time as well as money. “Christmas is about family. Uncles, aunts, cousins and siblings gather from all over the country. We go to mass together and exchange gifts.”
And it’s not just Christians getting in on the giving. “We have many friends from different religious backgrounds,” continued Sagayanathan. “They always come to the church on Christmas to give us their good wishes. This is a time for people of all religions to get together.”
The nativity scene is also a hit with visitors, especially with children. Another fun activity is carolling. Even for those who are not religious type, it’s a great place just to contemplate. The ambience is calming.
In another part of the City, the residents of the Observation Home, Madiwala, were given the Christmas message by Father George Kannanthanam, director of Sumanahalli Society.
“Everyone should spread love to one and all, irrespective of caste, creed and race,” he said. If you’re in the mood for giving after all of that, stop by Commercial Street. If you want to give, you have to shop!