Madurai marks Xmas sans religious barriers
TNN | Dec 26, 2013, 01.22 AM IST
MADURAI: This year in Madurai, Christmas was not just about prayers, cakes and gifts, but, it was also about religious harmony.
When chruches across Madurai were brightly illuminated and people attired in their new dresses were celebrating Christmas on Tuesday night as well as on Wednesday, a number of Hindus visited the St Mary's Church on East Veli Street and offered prayers.
This practice among Hindu families belonging to Saurashtra and Nadar communities in Madurai is not new. People belonging to these communities in Thirumalai Naicker Mahal area, Pandhadi Street and Khanpalayam say that they have been visiting churches for decades during Christmas, New Year and Easter.
"We feel as peaceful in church as in a temple. We regularly visit temples throughout the year. On New Year and Christmas, we visit the church and offer prayers,'' said M R Balakumar, a bag trader from East Perumal Mestry Street.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Madurai-marks-Xmas-sans-religious-barriers/articleshow/27928382.cms