It might be quite bewildering for many, given that the people of Kolkata celebrate Christmas on the 6th of January. It has also said with joy that the same city had already celebrated Christmas on 25th December of the preceding month. However, there is nothing like the arrangements made for the Armenian community on the 6th of January in Kolkata. This community has been in the city for a long time and their cultural practices are still apparent.
The Historic Church
The Christmas service was held at the Church of Holy Nazareth, which is situated today, on Armenian Street close to the Burra bazar area. This church was constructed in 1688 and had been reconstructed in 1724. It symbolizes the friendly relations between Armenia and India. Armenia has been a small country with fewer populations compared to India, almost just three million, but they have similar histories of struggling and migration.
Dwindling Community
Now, close to 100 Armenians inhabit Kolkata. Some have married other persons from different communities or migrated to countries such as Australia and New Zealand. But today, many Armenian children all over the world including Iran and Russia come to Kolkata for education only. The Armenian college run by the Holy See of Etchmiadzin of course has a very important part to play in this as well.
During the Christmas celebrations, the community gathered for a long service at the “Big Church,” led by Reverend Father Tajad Tsaturyan. The service also provided the Blessing of the Water sacrament in memory of Jesus’ baptism. Ambassador of Armenia to India, H.E Mr Vahagn Afyan, also attended the service. There was dinner at the Armenian College after the service where the students entertained people with songs and dances.
The festivities were followed by dining and entertainment in the style of the high tea party and games held in the context of the Armenian Sports Club where children were also presenting gifts. Marie Stephen, one of the pure Armenian people in Kolkata now said, ‘Once the Christmas of Armenians was quite big here, at least two thousand families’.
For detailed story, please visit: Awaz the voice
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