by Kalpit Parajuli

Thousands participate in Midnight Mass in Kathmandu's cathedral, including hundreds of Hindus and Buddhists. In many villages, local authorities join public processions, provide security and musical bands.

Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - "By virtue of the baptism, we Christians have the right and the duty to spread the message of Christ across Nepal and bear witness to his coming on earth and his sacrifice," said Mgr Antony Sharma, archbishop of Kathmandu as he spoke to thousands of Catholics, Hindus and Buddhists who attended Midnight Mass on 25 December in Assumption Cathedral.

In his homily, the prelate called on Nepali politicians and religious leaders to see the birth of Christ as an opportunity "to work together without concern for caste, ethnic and communal differences for the greater good of the country, which has been afflicted by a serious economic and political crisis since 2008."

Christmas preparations began on 20 December in the country's churches. For the first time since the fall of the Hindu monarchy in 2006, celebrations took place in a festive atmosphere without threats of terrorist attacks by extremist groups.

Sources told AsiaNews that many Christian communities organised public processions and prayer vigils for 25 December, which has been a national holiday for the past two years.

In the largest parishes, the authorities joined the celebrations, providing security and musical bands.

On 25 December, top government and state officials sent their greetings to the country's Christian communities, both Protestant and Catholic.

In a country torn by decades of civil war between Maoists and supporters of the Hindu monarchy, through their service and devotion, symbolised by Christmas, Christians have "contributed to enhancing peace, goodwill and brotherhood," President Ram Barav Yadav said in his message.

Since the end of the monarchy, which banned all religions except for Hinduism, the number of Christians has increased as a result of greater religious freedom.

In the 2011 census, Christians were 1.5 per cent of the total population. In 2006, they were only 0.5 per cent. In six years, the number of Catholics rose from 4,000 to 10,000.

• nepal
• christmas
• christians
• catholics
• celebrations