Christian Community: In Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, people of Christian community have great enthusiasm about the Christmas festival. Lord Jesus Christ, the symbol of simplicity, sacrifice and faith, was born in a cowshed i.e. a manger. Due to this belief, his followers celebrate the birthday of Lord Jesus every year on 25th December with great pomp and devotion.
As a tradition that has been going on for years in Christian society, a traditional manger is constructed from grass (Rata), bamboo and ropes on the occasion of Christmas. This manger reminds of the simple life of Lord Jesus, in which he was born in a poor family, in a dilapidated cow shed. People of the Christian community believe that by building a manger they transmit the life values of Lord Jesus – simplicity, love and sacrifice – to the new generation. This is the reason why the tradition of making this traditional manger is still alive in modern times. See this report…
Jesus Christ was born in a manger
Local Ilbilas Tirkey told Local 18 that according to beliefs, Jesus Christ was born in a cow shed, i.e. in a manger. At that time he could not find any suitable place to live, so he was born in a simple and dilapidated cowshed. The tradition of making a manger continues even today in memory of this historical and religious event.
Traditional manger is made of grass, bamboo and rope
Ilbilas Tirki told that rata (dry grass), bamboo and rope are used to make traditional manger. The structure is tied with rope and with the help of bamboo it is given the shape of a cowshed. However, with time, people decorate according to their convenience and imagination, but making a simple manger of grass is considered to be the basic form of tradition.
Christmas celebration starts from the night of 24th December
The manger has special significance on the night of 24th December. It is believed that Jesus Christ was born around midnight on 25 December. For this reason, the festival of Christmas is celebrated starting from the night of 24th December till 25th December. This tradition has been going on from generation to generation, which is still being followed with full devotion even today.
The old tradition of manger gives the message of simplicity and sacrifice.
Silbilus Tirkey told Local 18 that the purpose of the manger is to show that aspect of the life of Lord Jesus Christ in which, despite being born amidst deprivation, he gave the message of love and humanity to the whole world. He is considered the God of the whole world and his followers are not only in India but all over the world.
Being born in a poor family gave a great message.
Pratap Khalkho said that by making a manger it is reminded that despite being such a great Messiah, Jesus Christ was born in a poor family. Being born in a cowshed is a symbol of his simplicity and sacrifice. To keep this feeling alive, even today the Christian community celebrates the birthday of Lord Jesus with devotion and devotion by building a manger.
