December 25, 2017: Christmas marking the birth of Jesus Christ is being celebrated across the world, including India today. President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the fellow citizens especially Christian brothers and sisters in India and abroad on Christmas.
In his message, Mr. Kovind said, may this day, marking the birth of Jesus, will promote the universal message of love, sacrifice and compassion. In a message, Mr Venkaiah Naidu said that Christmas reaffirms people faith in the values of compassion and forgiveness taught by Lord Jesus Christ for the enlightenment of humanity. In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, we remember the noble teachings of Lord Christ.
In Goa, people thronged the churches on Christmas eve for the traditional midnight mass, last night. Special prayers, carols and hymns mark celebrations at the state’s ancient churches.
In Nagaland, churches have been beautifully decorated with glowing stars and lights. To ensure clean environment and pollution free Christmas, a ban on sale and bursting of firecrackers has been enforced in the State.
In Kerala, all the streets and houses are decorated with stars and lights. Special prayers are offered in major churches across the state for the safe return of missing fishermen following Cyclone Ockhi.
In Mumbai, people from all walks of life are celebrating Christmas with joy, enthusiasm and fervor. Cribs were erected and scenes of nativity were decorated at various places. On the occasion of Christmas-eve, midnight mass prayers were organised in various churches in the metropolis and the suburban areas yesterday. Devotees in large numbers thronged St Michael Church at Mahim, Saint Thomas Cathedral at Fort, Holy Name Cathedral at Colaba along with other shrines. In Bandra west area, Mount Mary Church, with its iconic Mother Mary Statue, was one the main areas of attraction.
In Tamil nadu, Churches in Kanyakumari as well as Nagapattinam districts have been tastefully decorsted with Xmas lights and stars. A huge crowd of devottees attended the special midnight mass at the renowned Vellankanni basilica in Nagapattinam. (AIR NEWS)
