More than 1,000 children with special needs and from underprivileged backgrounds, drawn from charitable institutions in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and nearby states, came together at St. Michael’s School in New Delhi on Saturday, December 7, for the fifth edition of Kristu Mahotsav, a national inter-religious and ecumenical Christmas celebration.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), the Association of Catholic Rehabilitation Centres in India (ACRCI) and the Chavara Cultural Centre (CCI) jointly organised the event, which coincided with the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3.
West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose attended as chief guest, alongside religious leaders from nine faith traditions, ambassadors from Portugal, Malta, Timor-Leste, Peru and Guatemala, high commissioners, priests, nuns and other dignitaries.
A particularly moving moment came when the young participants led the dignitaries to the stage, a gesture that resonated with everyone present.
Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi expressed joy in celebrating Christmas with children from various states. “They led the dignitaries to the stage, meaning they showed us the way instead of us showing the way,” he said. “Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus in a manger, who lived a life of poverty, not luxury. He came to serve and not to be served.”
The Archbishop emphasised that the true celebration of Christmas lies in standing in solidarity with the poor and the marginalised, and that the spirit of service has the power to unite people across religions.
Fr. Roby Kannanchira, Director of CCI, described the event as a movement of compassion. “Kristu Mahotsav reminds us that no child is forgotten. This gathering teaches us to love every religion and to promote unity, compassion, and hope,” he said, speaking of creating a space where every individual is treated with dignity and love.
Governor Bose spoke about the unifying message of Christmas. He noted that the presence of differently-abled youngsters reminded everyone of their common humanity and stressed that people of all faiths can coexist under one divine light. The Governor also released a book titled Kristu Mahotsav during the event.
Fr. Stephen Fernandez, Auxiliary Bishop-Elect of Mumbai, spoke about the aspirations that unite the human family. “This festive season invites us to look beyond our responsibilities and rediscover who we are as a community and as a nation,” he said.
Marazban Nariman Zaiwalla, representing the Zoroastrian Parsi community, praised the focus on the children and described their performances as the highlight of the evening. “Their dedication, innate talent, and joyous spirit shone through every act, capturing the hearts of the audience. It was a powerful testament to the immense potential and inherent dignity within every individual,” he said.
Malta’s Ambassador to India, Reuben Gauci, described India as a land enriched by harmony and faith traditions. Portugal’s Ambassador, João Ribeiro de Almeida, praised the Centre’s work in promoting peace, inter-religious dialogue and cultural understanding, calling the festival a reflection of the true spirit of Christmas.
The event also paid tribute to Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the Kerala-born religious leader and social reformer whose 220th birth anniversary is being commemorated this year. Saint Chavara founded two major indigenous congregations, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC).
The programme featured musical performances, a choir presentation and a children’s march. The evening concluded with a Christmas dinner served to all guests and the children.
