New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday participated in a Christmas morning service at the historic Cathedral Church of the Redemption in the national capital, joining members of the Christian community in celebrating one of the most important festivals of the year. His presence at the service underscored a message of unity, inclusiveness and mutual respect, as Christmas was celebrated across India with prayers, carols and festive gatherings.

The Prime Minister attended the service along with a large congregation of worshippers who had assembled early in the morning at the cathedral, one of Delhi’s most prominent Anglican churches located near Rashtrapati Bhavan. The church premises resonated with hymns, traditional Christmas carols and special prayers offered to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

The service was led by Rt. Rev. Dr Paul Swarup, the Bishop of Delhi, who offered prayers for peace, harmony and well-being. Special prayers were also said for the nation and its people, reflecting the broader spirit of Christmas that emphasizes compassion, service and goodwill towards all.

Visuals shared from the event showed Prime Minister Modi standing among the congregation, listening attentively as hymns were sung by the choir. He was also seen offering prayers and engaging respectfully in the service, blending seamlessly with the worshippers present at the cathedral.

Soon after attending the service, the Prime Minister took to social media platform X to share moments from the morning. Posting a short video from the cathedral, he wrote, “May Christmas bring renewed hope, warmth and a shared commitment to kindness.” The post was widely shared and drew responses from citizens across the country, many of whom appreciated the Prime Minister’s participation in the celebrations.

In another post, PM Modi reflected on the essence of the service, describing it as a reminder of enduring human values. He said that the Christmas morning prayers reflected the “timeless message of love, peace and compassion,” adding that these values continue to guide humanity, especially in times of global uncertainty and challenges.

The Prime Minister also extended his greetings to people across India and around the world, wishing everyone “a joyous Christmas filled with peace, compassion and hope.” His message echoed the central themes of the festival, which calls for empathy, forgiveness and solidarity.

Members of the choir and congregation at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption expressed happiness and excitement at the Prime Minister’s presence. Speaking to news agency ANI, one of the choir singers said that it was a memorable experience to celebrate Christmas alongside the Prime Minister. “It felt great that he celebrated Christmas with us. It was a good experience and made the occasion even more special,” the singer said.

Church officials and attendees said that the Prime Minister’s participation sent out a positive message of inclusiveness and respect for all faiths. Many noted that such gestures strengthen social harmony and reinforce India’s tradition of celebrating diversity.

Over the past several years, Prime Minister Modi has made it a point to engage with members of the Christian community and participate in events connected with Christian festivals. In 2023, he attended a programme at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi, where he interacted with church leaders and members of the congregation. Later that year, on Christmas Day, he hosted a special programme at his residence, inviting members of the Christian community.

In 2024, the Prime Minister joined Union Minister George Kurian for a Christmas dinner at his residence. He also attended a programme organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, further reflecting his outreach to Christian organisations and leaders. These interactions have been seen as part of a broader effort to engage with different religious communities and highlight the shared cultural and moral values that bind the country together.

Christmas celebrations were held with great enthusiasm across India on Thursday, with churches and public spaces decorated with lights, stars and festive displays. In Delhi, the Sacred Heart Cathedral was illuminated ahead of the festivities, drawing large crowds of worshippers and visitors who gathered for midnight mass and morning prayers.

In West Bengal, especially in hill towns like Darjeeling, Christmas was celebrated with traditional carols, beautifully decorated churches and community gatherings. The region, known for its long association with Christian traditions, witnessed a festive atmosphere as locals and tourists alike joined in the celebrations.

Similarly, in Odisha, churches across the state held special services, with people lighting candles and participating in prayers. Christmas displays, nativity scenes and community feasts were organised in several towns and cities, reflecting the joyful spirit of the festival.

Leaders across the political spectrum also extended Christmas greetings to the public. President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her wishes, expressing hope that the festival would inspire people to work towards harmony and mutual understanding. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan also greeted citizens, highlighting the values of peace and compassion associated with Christmas.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi were among other prominent leaders who wished people on the occasion. Their messages emphasised unity, love and the importance of standing together as a society.

Across the country, Christmas was marked not only as a religious festival but also as a cultural celebration that brings people of different backgrounds together. Markets and public spaces were adorned with decorations, bakeries sold traditional cakes and sweets, and families gathered to share meals and exchange greetings.

Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption added a symbolic dimension to the celebrations in the capital. It reinforced the message that festivals in India are occasions for collective joy and reflection, transcending religious boundaries.

As hymns echoed through the cathedral and prayers were offered for a peaceful world, the morning service served as a reminder of the universal values that Christmas represents. With messages of goodwill from leaders and celebrations unfolding across the nation, the festival once again highlighted India’s rich tradition of unity in diversity and shared celebration.