Christmas Carnival Brings Festive Creativity and Cultural Joy to the Diocese of Kottar

Kottar, 11 December 2025 — A Christmas Creative Carnival organised by the Kalari Folk Cultural Centre and the Art & Heritage Centre of the diocese of Kottar brought together more than thirty children and young people for a day of artistic expression, cultural engagement and spiritual preparation for Christmas.

Held as part of the diocesan Christmas celebrations, the programme aimed to help participants prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ through creativity, community and meaningful cultural expression. Under the guidance of Fr A. Sahaya Belix, Director of both centres, the day unfolded with a well-structured blend of art, tradition and festive cheer. His leadership gave the children direction, purpose and inspiration throughout the event.

Thirty-three participants took part in the one-day training sessions, which included creative craftwork and greeting-card making led by Fr. Belix, encouraging them to express their faith and joy through handmade Christmas creations.

Folk-art sessions conducted by Kalari folk artists added exceptional cultural richness. Demonstrations of Kolattam and Kummiyattam filled the atmosphere with rhythm and enthusiasm, inviting the young participants to experience the unity, natural joy and gentle healing embedded in these ancestral movement traditions.

The celebration also received the blessing of a visit from Fr. M. C. Rajan, Vicar Forane of Devasahayam Mount, who commended the initiative and encouraged the children to nurture their artistic gifts.

In the afternoon, the spirit of Christmas was marked with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony. The Chief Guest, Fr. J. Francis Xavier Nelson, Director of the Commission for De-addiction, offered words of encouragement and hope to the young participants. Fr. U. Rudolf Sangith, Director of the Commission for Children, joined the celebration and distributed participation certificates, making the day especially memorable for the children.

The Christmas Creative Carnival stood out as a colourful, lively and spiritually enriching celebration, beautifully blending creativity, culture, faith and the festive joy of Christmas within the diocese of Kottar.

By Abhishek Raja