Chavara Cultural Centre’s fifth annual Kristu Mahotsav brought together diplomats, religious leaders, educators, and specially-abled children, celebrating cultural harmony, inclusion, and interfaith understanding in a vibrant Delhi event.

New Delhi, 6 December 2025

The Chavara Cultural Centre hosted the fifth annual edition of Kristu Mahotsav 2025, a festival dedicated to promoting inclusion, interfaith dialogue, and cultural harmony. Over the years, this event has become a landmark in Delhi’s social-cultural calendar, bringing together diplomats, religious leaders, artists, educators, families, and specially-abled children to celebrate empathy, compassion, and shared humanity.

This year, the celebration was graced by West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Bishop Stephen Fernandes, and ambassadors from Portugal, Malta, Timor-Leste, Peru, and Guatemala. Hundreds of children, particularly those with special abilities, participated enthusiastically, making the event truly inclusive.

A Festival of Compassion and Inclusion

Rev. Dr. Fr. Roby Kannanchira CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, welcomed the guests and highlighted the spirit of the festival. He said,
“Kristu Mahotsav is more than a program; it is a movement of compassion. Every child belongs here. The specially-abled and marginalized are not guests—they are at the heart of this celebration. Christmas is the Bethlehem we create together, where no child is left behind, and every person is treated with love and dignity.”

Governor Emphasizes Unity and Service

Governor Dr. Bose, while inaugurating the festival and launching his book ‘Kristu Mahotsav’, reflected on the essence of Christmas, stating,
“Christmas reminds us to renew our faith through service, compassion, and unity. The specially-abled children present today are a reminder of the true power of shared humanity. In a world of diverse faiths, the same Divine light creates space for everyone.”

Cultural Performances and Book Launch

The event featured vibrant musical performances, a choir presentation, and a children’s march, highlighting the talents of participating students. Governor Bose’s book launch added a literary dimension to the celebration, emphasizing the values of inclusion and empathy.

Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto remarked, “There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than by standing in solidarity with the marginalized and specially-abled. Service connects all religions and unites humanity into one family.”

International Guests Celebrate Interfaith Harmony

Foreign ambassadors praised India’s diversity and the Chavara Cultural Centre’s efforts in fostering peace and cultural understanding.

• H.E. Reuben Gauci, Ambassador of Malta, said, “India’s faith, traditions, and unity make it a sacred land. Even after leaving, India will remain a symbol of humanity and interfaith harmony in my heart.”
• Mr. João Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal, added, “The Chavara Cultural Centre promotes peace, dialogue, and cultural understanding. Kristu Mahotsav captures the spirit of Christmas by uplifting underprivileged and specially-abled children. Globally, we are all one human family.”

Closing and Acknowledgements

Rev. Dr. Mathew Koikal, Deputy Secretary General of CBCI, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, recognizing the contributions of volunteers, institutions, and dignitaries who made the celebration possible.

Kristu Mahotsav 2025 once again highlighted the Chavara Cultural Centre’s mission to foster compassion, inclusion, and interfaith unity, proving how cultural celebrations can bring communities together while empowering children and promoting shared human values.