Hillsong United's first ever performance in India at Girgaum Chowpatty Mumbai
13th December,
Girgaum Chowpatty, Mumbai: Prabhu
Yeshu Janmotsav (PYJ) brings in the Christmas season with the world’s
leading gospel band Hillsong United’s first ever performance in India at
Girgaum Chowpatty Mumbai on 13th December in presence of more
than 30,000 members of the Christian community. The event was curated under the
leadership of Dr. Abraham Mathai, Chairman, Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav. This event
also marks the 50th anniversary of PYJ. The stage was brought alive
with famous singers Anil Kant and Prince Mulla as they brought in their own
rhythm and unified the crowd as one. Prominent personalities like Member Of
Parliament Poonam Mahajan and Member of Legislative Assembly Ashish Shelar.
PYJ is one of the oldest church committees
where a large number of churches of Mumbai come together to bring in the
Christmas season every year since the last 5 decades. It was founded in
1965 by Tara Cherian, the then Lady Governor of Maharashtra with the aim to
provide a common platform for the Christian community to meet in the city and
the program is currently chaired by Dr. Abraham Mathai. Today, the event has
become one of the largest Christian events of the country where not only
Christians but people of all faith will be a part of the merry affair. To
celebrate the 50th year of PYJ, Dr. Mathai invited Hillsong United
to enhance the celebration and for the community to experience their
performance. Hillsong United sang beautiful chorus from their latest album
‘Empires’ and some old numbers as well.
Ashish Shelar, President, BJP Mumbai, commented on the event, ‘The Christian community is a very peaceful, progressive one, which has lived and continues to coexist harmoniously with people of different communities. I believe that forgiveness was a gift from Jesus Christ which has been given to everybody and has given the common man the real meaning of life into peacefulness. Congratulations PYJ on this beautiful evening!
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Abraham Mathai,
Chairman, Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav said, “The invitation to Hillsong United
was extended to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations of
Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav. Hillsong UNITED's celebrated status worldwide has
greatly enhanced our event as PYJ, India's largest Christmas programme, ushers
in the Christmas season. On the other hand a tour to Mumbai has long been on
Hillsong UNITED's list but has been delayed for various reasons. Since an India
as visit was their priority, they found it appropriate to fund the
tour. He also added, to compliment the Prime Minister Swacch Bharat
Abhiyaan, there needs to be a Swacch Dil Abhiyaan as only a clean heart can
lead to a healthy community, thereby leading to a healthy nation.”
Hillsong United was quoted saying, “We still
don’t consider what we do as Christian music! We praise and worship and that in
our eyes and hearts is much more powerful. The purpose of our visit was to help
people experience Jesus! Not just religion, not Christian karaoke, but to
understand the true meaning of it, his grace, love, truth, beauty and his
everlasting goodness. Coming to Mumbai was always on our list and to make that
come true we are grateful for Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav and Dr. Abraham Mathai,
who facilitated the same on their 50th glorious year.”
The event hosted more than 30,000 people from
across the country recording it as India’s largest Christmas event.
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