» 12/20/2011 14:33 NEPAL The Christian Christmas in the Himalayas by Kalpit Parajuli National reconciliation among different groups of Nepalese society, peace and prosperity: these are the Christmas prayers this year. Despite threats from Hindu fundamentalists groups, the entire country is preparing for Christmas, as Christians and Hindus exchange greetings and gifts.
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - "For Nepal this Christmas means to reconcile the different parts of society, to bring peace and prosperity." Fr Lawrence Maniya tells AsiaNews. The Jesuit superior has been working with small Christian communities of the Himalayas for 35 years. "Reconciliation – he adds – among political parties, religious and ethnic groups is a must for the country. Therefore, we offer our prayers for national reconciliation. "
According to the Jesuit, only some people are a threat to the country's harmony. Among these, the Nepal Defense Army (NDA), the unofficial armed wing of the Hindu extremist groups, trying to frighten the Christians and other minorities. "I do not blame Hinduism itself - said Fr Lawrence - but only those fundamentalist groups which are present in many societies. These must be punished, to bring a reconciliation between Hindus and non Hindus. We should act together, united for the country's development and economic prosperity. " Meanwhile, "we continue to serve society without fear – he adds.
Nonostante la minaccia di atti violenti del Nda, tutto il Paese si sta preparando al Natale. Gli alberghi hanno allestito alberi colorati e luminarie. I negozi si fanno sempre più affollati, e le persone – cristiani e non – hanno già iniziato a scambiarsi gli auguri.
Despite the NDA threat of violent acts, the whole country is getting ready for Christmas. The hotels have set up trees and colored lights. The shops are becoming more crowded, and people - Christians and non - have already begun to exchange greetings.
Raju Shrestha, owner of a shop in the Hindu Jawalakhel (about 600 meters near the Cathedral of the Assumption), says: "In this period, more than half of my clients are non-Christians who are to make gifts to their Christian friends ". Binaya Thakuri in the same shop, a Christian college student, bought 50 Christmas cards "to wish to all my family."
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