Patna: Patna celebrated the arrival of Christmas with solemn and joyous midnight masses held across the city on Wednesday night, as churches filled with worshippers marking the birth of Jesus Christ. On Thursday morning, the capital woke to Christmas Day wrapped in festivity, devotion and a renewed sense of community.
Major churches, including Queen of Apostles Church, Kurji, St Mary’s Church or Padri Ki Haveli in Patna Sahib, St Joseph’s Church on Boring Road and St Stephen’s Church on Khajanchi Road, were illuminated with decorative lights, stars and Christmas trees. Large congregations gathered late into the night to attend midnight mass, singing carols and offering prayers in remembrance of Christ’s birth.
Inside the churches, nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus remained the focal point, with tableaux featuring Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus drawing quiet reverence from devotees. Church authorities said the midnight services passed peacefully, supported by volunteers and coordinated security arrangements.
Special prayer services are continuing through Christmas Day, with morning masses and community prayers conveying messages of peace, compassion and brotherhood. Church committees have maintained crowd management measures, including volunteer deployment and CCTV monitoring, to ensure smooth observances throughout the day.
Across the city, markets reflected the festive mood. Areas such as Dak Bungalow Chowk, Boring Road, Fraser Road and Kurji saw brisk activity as families stepped out to celebrate, with shops selling Santa caps, decorations, gifts and Christmas cakes. Bakeries reported strong demand, while children were seen wearing Santa costumes and carrying colourful balloons.
Members of the Christian community said Christmas is not only a celebration but a reminder of love, service and humanity. Several churches are also organising outreach programmes on Christmas Day, distributing food and gifts to the poor and needy.
As prayers continue and families gather, Patna’s Christmas celebrations combine faith, festivity and fellowship — marking the day with quiet joy and shared hope.
