Goa: Amid pandemic, midnight mass, carols usher in Christmas
What's the story
The peel of the midnight bells in churches and the carols reverberating the praise of Lord Jesus ushered in the Christmas festivities in Goa amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Christmas celebration in the state, where nearly 30% population is Christian, started with traditional fervor amid strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) laid down by the state government.
Statement
The festival will continue till the New Year
"People came out in large numbers to attend the midnight mass. However, only 200 people were allowed to attend the mass in each church and the attendees had to maintain physical distance, wear masks, and sanitize their hands," a priest attached to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji said on Friday. The festival will continue till the New Year.
Information
What measures are being taken for a safe celebration?
The crowd size for the masses during the day will be decided by the priest in each church. At some places, special pandals were set up outside the churches to accommodate those people who could not attend the mass inside. A police official said, "No untoward incident was reported during the festival. But police have increased their vigil in view of the crowd."
Details
Markets in the state were packed with decorative items
Apart from the churches and chapels, people also thronged the beaches across the state at midnight. Markets in the state were seen packed with items used to decorate cribs, depicting the birth of Lord Jesus. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant wished the people on the occasion through a tweet.
Twitter Post
Goa CM Pramod Sawant wished people a Merry Christmas
#MerryChristmas pic.twitter.com/ZNHshgVrBy
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) December 25, 2020