Christmas Cheer Catches Up in Hyderabad
As part of the celebrations, UCCC organised a cricket tournament. Sam Theidor said this marked the first participation of the CMEC Church, adding that the team practised diligently and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Hyderabad: Organisations, educational institutions and local communities are gearing up to celebrate the Christmas cheer. Preparations for the Chief Minister’s Christmas programme are in full swing, with state government officials closely monitoring arrangements on Friday.
Minority welfare minister Mohammed Azharuddin and Christian Minorities Commission chairman Deepak John invited Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to to the Christmas dinner scheduled to be held at LB Stadium on Saturday. Explaining the event, John said around 10,000 people are expected to attend, including Bishops of mainline churches, members of welfare committees, pastors’ welfare committees and Christian leaders from various denominations.
At the venue, Telangana Sports Authority chairman Shiv Sena Reddy inspected the arrangements along with officials of the sports department.
The 47th Greater Hyderabad United Christmas Celebrations (UCCC) were held with grandeur. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma attended the event along with minister Azharuddin, bishops, priests and pastors representing Christian denominations across languages
As part of the celebrations, UCCC organised a cricket tournament. Sam Theidor said this marked the first participation of the CMEC Church, adding that the team practised diligently and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
UCCC coordinator Thomas John said the Governor’s reception was a major highlight, with large groups of Assamese and Jharkhand Christians performing traditional dances. Another special attraction was the participation of hearing-impaired persons, with a trainer standing on a pedestal and interpreting proceedings in sign language.
Christmas celebrations also took centre stage in colleges across the city. At St Ann’s College for Women, staff and students staged plays and performances to spread the joy of the season. A nativity skit, choreographed medley, carol renditions and Santa Claus performances created a festive atmosphere. Principal Dr Sr Vijaya Rani extended Christmas greetings, while Rev. Fr Rayappa Reddy, the chief guest, shared a Christmas message.
St Francis College for Women, Begumpet, hosted Natale 2025, featuring an energetic flashmob competition. Principal Prof Uma Joseph, vice-principal Dr Sr Sherly and correspondent Sr Carmali, along with chief guest Maruri Ganta of Hope Unlimited Church, Banjara Hills, conveyed Christmas greetings at the inauguration.
The Regency College of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management celebrated the season with an elegant seven-course pre-plated table menu inspired by classical European cuisine. The event allowed students to gain hands-on experience in menu planning, presentation and service. British Deputy High Commissioner Gareth Wynn Owen attended as special guest.
Adding a charitable dimension to the festivities, the CorpM Hyd Club organised a Christmas event that drew youngsters, students and IT professionals from across Hyderabad. Organiser Manuel Philip said the celebrations also focused on charity and community service.