Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav hosts India’s biggest Christian Event with more than 30,000 spectators for Hillsong United’s performance at Girgaum Chowpatty

Did you hear the city bring in the season of joy with Hillsong United?

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.

30000 perople gather at 50th Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav 2015, biggest christain event of India

BJP President Shri Ashish Shelar at 50th Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav 2015

Dr Abraham Mathaih,Chairman,PYJ at 50th Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav 2015

Joel Houstan, Hillsong United at 50th Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav 2015

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.

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.”

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!

The event hosted more than 30,000 people from across the country recording it as India’s largest Christmas event.