UCCA holds grand Christmas Banquet

CHICAGO: The inclemency of the Chicago snowstorm could hardly ebb the reigning festive spirit of the Christmas celebrations hosted by United Christian Cultural Association [UCCA] on Friday, December 16 at the Bristol Palace in Mount Prospects, Illinois.

The celebrations were with full compliments of melodious carols, dance presentations, canticles, inspiring remarks and yuletide. The Christmas carols singing sounds of traditional Indian ‘Dhol’ and families relishing the joyous canticles of the Christmas upped by the presence of Indian CG Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and movie/TV actress & Gospel speaker Divya Vani from India

The evening celebrations set off with the lighting of the Advent Lamp led by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and Divya Vani. Addressing the guests, Dr Sayeed extolled the festival of Christmas and reflected on the exceptional contributions made by Christians in India in the field of education, health care, charity, social empowerment, emancipation of women socio-economic conditions and participation in public life. He added that Christianity has profoundly helped strengthen the social fabric in India.

Actress Divya Vani in her short yuletide sermon explained the significance of Christmas. Divya Vani was honored with a shawl and a flower bouquet.

Earlier, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Director of UCCA, welcomed the gathering and introduced Chief Guest Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. He was joined by UCCA team in honoring the Ambassador and his wife by presenting traditional shawls and flower bouquets.

Raju Enoch Pasumarthi, UCCA President thanked the gathering of the families. The music was provided by Johnson Kodipally & Athyun Nagelli. Several church pastors were also present including Mrs Subhadra Vipparathi, Rev. David Vidyasagar, and Rev. Samson Purohit.

The evening celebrations concluded with entire hall shimmering in candle lights singing together the traditional Christmas carol “Silent Night” which was followed by the serving of the festive dinner.

Harish Rao