Kristu Mahotsav 2022

Kristu Mahotsav 2022

Inter-Religious & Ecumenical Christmas Celebration

22 December 2022 | DCC Hall, Delhi

Organised by Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi

The celebration brought together distinguished leaders from religious, political, judicial, and social spheres, reflecting the Centre’s enduring commitment to interfaith harmony and inclusive social integration. The programme was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Justice C. Hari Shankar, Judge of the Delhi High Court, while Dr. Indresh Kumar, National Executive Member (RSS), graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The gathering was further honoured by the presence of Shri Ramdas Bandu Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and the Benedictory Address was delivered by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Anil Joseph T. Couto, Archbishop of Delhi.

On 22nd December 2022, the Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi organized Kristu Mahotsav 2022, an inter-religious and ecumenical Christmas celebration at the DCC Hall, Delhi. Centered on the inspiring theme “Include Everyone, Exclude None,” the event beautifully embodied the spirit of unity, inclusion, and shared humanity.

The celebration witnessed the gracious participation of eminent personalities including Rev. Fr. Biju Vadakkel CMI, General Councillor for Social Apostolate; Goswami Sushilji Maharaj; Shri Subu Rahman, Principal Director, Railway Board; Shri Sanjay Jain, Secretary, World Jain Confederation; Dr. A.K. Merchant, General Secretary, Temple of Understanding India Foundation; Smt. Villie Darrab Aria, Vice President of the National Association for the Blind and Ex-Trustee of Delhi Parsi Anjuman; Swami Shantatmananda of Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi; Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar of Judah Hyam Synagogue, New Delhi; Smt. Rinchen Lhamo, Member of the National Commission for Minorities; and Shri Vivek Muni Ji Maharaj. The programme was further enriched by the presence of Members of Parliament and national leaders including Shri Alphonse Kannanthanam, Former Union Minister of India; Shri Thomas Chazhikkadan (Rajya Sabha); Shri Anto Antony (Lok Sabha);Swami Chander Devji Maharaj; and Shri K. Satish Nambudiripad, Additional Director General in the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

A distinctive and deeply moving feature of Kristu Mahotsav 2022 was the enthusiastic participation of differently-abled children from various Christian charitable institutions in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Their vibrant cultural performances, along with contributions from institutions such as Christ University (Delhi NCR), Anand Training Centre (Ghaziabad), Sanjoepuram Children’s Village (Faridabad), Jeevandhara (Ghaziabad), Aangel Special School (New Delhi), St. Thomas Hopes School (New Delhi), PRATYek (NGO Delhi), CEVA (Cyriac Elias Voluntary Association), St. Thomas Syrian Church (Karol Bagh), and St. Martin’s Diocesan School (CNI Church, Delhi), transformed the evening into a celebration of shared joy and human dignity. Interfaith prayers and reflections from leaders of Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish, and Christian traditions emphasized Christmas as a universal message of peace, compassion, justice, and fraternity. Under the leadership of Dr. Fr. Martin Mallath CMI, Chairman; Dr. Fr. Roby Kannanchira CMI, Director; and Fr. Thomas Kollikolavil CMI, Prefect, CMI Bhavan, Delhi, Kristu Mahotsav 2022 once again affirmed the Chavara Cultural Centre’s mission to build bridges of understanding and celebrate diversity as a pathway to national integration and lasting peace.