NEW DELHI: Cities were soaked in festive spirit and a spirit of yuletide pervaded the air as midnight masses, resonance of carols and merriment ushered in Christmas across the country on Tuesday.
As bells tolled, worshippers thronged churches and cathedrals decorated with twinking lights for the midnight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sparkling Christmas trees and gift items adorned the marketplaces which wore a festive look as community feasts, exchange of greetings and colourful processions marked the occasion.
Traditional Christmas carols rendered the air festive with gospel bands enthralling the merry-makers with songs like 'Jingle Bells', 'Oh Holy Night' and 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town'.
It was a busy day for Santa Claus, a man in red with a flowing white beard, who went from place to place cheering the revellers.
Redemption, rejoicing, feasting and singing marked the birth of Jesus Christ in the North-East which has sizeable Christians.
Meghalaya's capital Shillong was decked up for the occasion as buildings and street-corners were illuminated and decorated with Christmas trees, banners and festoons.
Long queues were seen in front of prominent bakeries in the city selling designer cakes.
Stores stocking Xmas merchandise were inundated with shoppers as sumptuous feast formed an important part of the celebrations in many homes.
Faithful across Nagaland celebrated Christmas with joy and religious fervour as bright sunshine enveloped the skyline since morning.
In Kerala, agog with festivities for the past few days, churches and homes were tastefully decorated.
In Tamil Nadu, worshippers, dressed in new outfits, attended midnight masses and special prayers in churches, including the famous Velankanni shrine.
Special prayers for world peace and safety for women were held in churches across Kashmir Valley where Christmas was celebrated with religious fervour.
"I prayed for the safety of women in the country...and that they can roam freely in Delhi and elsewhere," Mitchelle, a young girl from Mumbai on a visit to the picturesque Valley, said.
Tourists from different parts of the country and the world joined locals in merry-making.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan and a host of leaders greeted the nation on the occasion hoping the festival would strengthen values of brotherhood, tolerance and caring among people.
Christmas celebrated with fervour across India
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Christmas celebrated with fervour across India
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Christmas celebrated with fervour across India
