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Christmas is around the corner and the festivites have already started. You can smell the freshly baked plum cakes in all the bakeries and also see many stalls selling Christmas wares popping up. Its time to set out and drench yourself in the festive spirit. There are many churches in Bangalore where you can head to for attending the mass and enjoy the celebrations. Here is a guide to five churches you should visit in Bangalore this Christmas.
1. Infant Jesus Church
The Infant Jesus Church is a Roman Catholic church in Bangalore and was established in 1971 in Vivek Nagar area. As the name suggests the church is dedicated to Infant Jesus. It is also known as the Infant Jesus Shrine and was built to commemorate the historic Infant Jesus Church of Prague. The church seats over 2,500 people, but during Christmas celebrations it is frequented by over 10,000 people who come here to join in the merriment. The popularity of the church grew sharply after the miracles of the shrine inspired a Tamil film, Kuzhanthai Yesu. It is one of the churches that you should head to for celebrating Christmas.
View of the Infant Jesus Church.
Photo Courtesy: Johnchacks
2. St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral
The St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bangalore and was initially also the diocese of Mysore from 1886 to 1940. The first church was constructed in 1851 but due to the huge increase in the catholic population, this church eventually became inadequate and hence in 1911, the foundation stone was laid for a new church. In the year 2009 the church celebrated its platinum jubilee. Located in Frazer Town this church sees a huge crowd during the Christmas celebrations. People come from various parts of the city to join in the merriment and also to pray here.
Admire the architecture of the church.
Photo Courtesy: Saad Faruque
3. St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica located in Shivaji Nagar is the oldest church in Bangalore and is the only church in the state that has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica. This old church sees a huge crowd of devotees everyday. Christmas celebrations are rather sober here but devotees come here in large number as there is a belief that prayers here are fulfilled by Mother Mary.
The Holy Mass taking place in the church.
Photo Courtesy: Muhammad Mahdi Karim
4. Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church, located at Trinity circle, towards the east end of MG Road is a major landmark in Bangalore. It was built in 1851, for the British Regiment stationed in Bangalore. Built in the English Renaissance style, the church can accommodate 700 people and is regarded as the largest military church in southern India. The church is all decked up during Christmas and sees a huge crowd of devotees and tourists coming here during the celebrations. It is a place you must visit to enjoy the festivities of Christmas.
The prayer hall of the church.
Photo Courtesy: Charles Haynes
5. Bethel Assembly of God Church
Bethel Assembly of God Church is one of the largest churches in India and one of Asia's most influential churches. The church includes two chapels with a seating capacity of 3,500 each, two bookstores and a huge parking lot. Currently there are eight linguistic services namely Malayalam, English, Kannada, Hindi, Telegu, French and Nepali here. The church sees a huge gathering on the occasion of Christmas and festivities takes place outside the church. Also, the midnight mass of this church is a pretty grand affair!
