KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025: A festival of christian Charity

“5th Anniversary of the Chavara Cultural Centre”

6 December 2025 | New Delhi

Jointly organised by the Chavara Cultural Centre, New Delhi, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), and the Association of Catholic Rehabilitation Centres in India (ACRCI), the celebration also marked the 5th Anniversary of the Chavara Cultural Centre, commemorating five years of interfaith harmony, cultural exchange, and social transformation. 

KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025 – The National Inter-Religious Ecumenical Christmas Celebration concluded on 6 December 2025 in New Delhi with profound joy, unity, and compassion, as over 600 specially-abled and underprivileged children gathered for an evening that radiated inclusion and hope.

The evening opened with a deeply moving Buddy March, led by the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, who entered the venue hand-in-hand with specially-abled children, symbolizing dignity, solidarity, and shared humanity. Ambassadors, interfaith leaders, and senior officials joined the march, creating a historic and powerful moment of inclusion that received a standing ovation.

The celebration featured over 15 uplifting performances by differently-abled children, including wheelchair dance, inclusive choir presentations, theatre, and vibrant cultural showcases that reflected extraordinary talent, confidence, and joy. The event reaffirmed its mission of building a society where every child is celebrated, every ability honoured, and no one is left behind. The evening was gracefully anchored by filmmaker, philanthropist, and global cultural icon Dr. Sanjanaa Jon, who served as Master of Ceremonies. 

A major highlight of the celebration was the release of a new book authored by Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose. 

The gathering joyfully honoured Bishop Stephen Fernandes on his gracious appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay, extending heartfelt congratulations and prayerful wishes.

A special tribute was also paid to Rev. Fr. Joseph Puthenpura, Founder President of ACRCI, on the Golden Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination. For 50 years, his mission of uplifting specially-abled children and marginalized communities has transformed countless lives across India. The audience celebrated his life of compassion, service, and visionary leadership.

The celebration was graced by eminent ambassadors and distinguished leaders, including H.E. Mr. Reuben Gauci, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta; H.E. Mr. João Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal; H.E. Mr. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste; H.E. Mr. Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru; and H.E. Mr. Omar Castañeda, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala. The ecclesiastical presence was marked by Most Rev. Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Secretary General, CBCI; Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General, CBCI; Rev. Dr. Josey Thamarassery CMI, Vicar General; Rev. Fr. Varghese Vallikkatt, Chief Vicar General, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Rev. Fr. Mathew Kiriyanthan CMI, associated with the Paralympic Association of Kerala and the Wheelchair Basketball Association; and Rev. Fr. Roy Kannanchira CMI, President, ACRCI, whose presence added dignity and significance to the occasion. 

Rev. Dr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre; Rev. Fr. Roy Kannanchira CMI, President of ACRCI; and Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of CBCI, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, institutions, volunteers, and supporters for making the event a powerful expression of love and solidarity.