New Delhi: Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across the country on Thursday as churches were decked in lights and cribs, midnight masses drew large congregations and community events spread cheer amid prayers for peace and harmony.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president J P Nadda, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and several other prominent leaders from several political parties greeted people commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
“On this auspicious occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all citizens, especially brothers and sisters of the Christian community,” said President Murmu on X and added that Christmas, the festival of joy and enthusiasm, conveys the message of love and compassion.
Vice President Radhakrishnan also greeted people on Christmas. “Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas, overflowing with hope, love, and kindness. May Christ’s message inspire us to build stronger, more caring communities, and may his teachings strengthen our bonds and promote lasting peace,” he wrote on X.
BJP chief Nadda on Thursday greeted people on Christmas and appealed to them to work together for the “betterment of humanity”, taking inspiration from the preaching of Jesus Christ.
Congress president Kharge greeted people on Christmas and said the occasion strengthens the party’s collective resolve to build a more humane and harmonious society.
Christmas was celebrated with devotion and joy in several states.
Church services and community feasts marked Christmas celebrations in Christian-majority Mizoram. Group songs and special Christmas-related performances were presented by youth members and children of local churches, conveying messages of love, peace and joy.
Traditional congregational singing services, known locally as ‘Zaikhawm’, were also held following church services.
Midnight services in churches and carol processions through illuminated streets were held in Meghalaya, as church leaders called upon people to reflect on the message of hope, peace and love associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Kolkata, people thronged popular spots such as Alipur Zoo, Victoria Memorial, Maidan and Eco Park, while picnickers in small and large groups headed to scenic locations to make the most of the day.
Churches held special midnight prayers and devotees prayed for peace and prosperity in Jharkhand. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren extended their greetings on the occasion.
Kerala marked Christmas with joy and solemn prayers, as churches across the state saw large gatherings of worshippers.
Special prayers began on Wednesday evening and concluded with midnight masses. The head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Raphael Thattil, led Christmas prayers at Mount St Thomas in Kakkanad, Kochi.
The celebrations, however, were held amid growing concern over reports of attacks on Christians and Christmas events in different parts of the country.
The Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church Cardinal Baselios Cleemis described the situation, where believers are allegedly forced to live in fear in several regions, as extremely serious.
Churches were decked in lights and cribs in Tamil Nadu to celebrate Christmas.
