Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam is immersed in the festive spirit as Christmas celebrations unfold across the city, especially in its vibrant churches. The Christian community engages in traditional services, festive decorations, and acts of goodwill to honor the holiday.
Shopping complexes are bustling with activity, and the streets are alive with festive energy. Churches across the city have been transformed with spectacular light displays, electric lights and twinkling stars drawing large congregations. Vincent Raj Kumar, pastor of the London Mission Memorial Church, highlighted the importance of Christmas services, which include the 11pm gathering on Christmas Eve. Lutheran churches will hold services on Tuesday evenings, with Christmas Day services starting at 4 AM to 11 AM.
Bakers are also busy meeting holiday demand. A bakery in Dwarka Nagar reported ordering more than 60 themed cakes of 2-3 kg. Prices of cakes vary, with simple flavors like chocolate and vanilla at ₹700-₹800 per kg, and exotic options like blueberry priced at ₹1,200-₹1,500.
Home and Disaster Management Minister Bhangalapudi Anitha gave her best wishes emphasizing the virtue of Christ likeness and sacrifice. “If Christ is born in everyone’s heart, the world becomes heaven,” she said.