Posted on 12/25/2005 10:19:49 AM PST by CarrotAndStick
NEW DELHI: Christians across India on Sunday joyously observed Christmas, a festival that has acquired a universal appeal in this land of over one billion, with people from other religions too joining in the festivities.
From Chandigarh in the north to Chennai in the south, and from Mumbai in the west to Kohima in the northeast, the faithful flocked to churches for the midnight mass and to pay obeisance at the nativity tableau that depicts the birth of Jesus Christ.
Millions of homes across the country were gaily decorated with lights, buntings, stars, Santa Claus cut-outs and Christmas trees from under which children eagerly sought out the gifts laid out for them.
Christian women pray at a Catholic church during Christmas celebrations in Srinagar on Sunday, Dec 25, 2005. (Reuters)
In Kolkata, Christmas is the great social leveller after Durga Puja - and the pleasant nip in the air made the Christmas mood as good as it could get.
In the Missionaries of Charity, homes for children and destitute founded by Mother Teresa, expectant hearts were filled with special joy as gifts while distributed.
"Visitors have been pouring in since last night," Sister Christie said.
Nicobarese pray at a church in New Kakana village in Car Nicobar on Sunday, Dec 25, 2005. (AP)
In Andhra Pradesh, Archbishop Marampudi Joji led the faithful at St. Mary's Church in Secunderabad, the twin city of capital Hyderabad. The other big congregation was at the St Joseph's Cathedral in the city's Abids area.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajashekhar Reddy, a Christian, celebrated the day with his family members in his native Kadpa district.
Christian devotees attend Mass on Christmas day at a church in New Delhi on Sunday, Dec 25, 2005. (PTI)
In Chandigarh, people came out in large numbers despite icy winds sweeping the city to celebrate Christmas at various places. Churches in Punjab and Haryana were decorated with lights and buntings.
In Lucknow, churches were brightly lit up from Christmas eve. The city's main Cathedral at Hasratganj was packed for the service Sunday morning.
A boy posing as Santa Claus riding on an elephant to distribute gifts on Christmas in Patna on Sunday, Dec 25, 2005. (PTI)
In Patna, Christians thronged to the city's half-a-dozen churches, some of which are over 100 years old.
Some Christian organisations distributed woollen shawls and blankets among the poor to help beat the winter chill.
Christmas was also celebrated with fervour in predominantly Christian states of Nagaland and Mizoram in the northeast.
You can see the earlier photo feature on Christmas in India, by clicking the following link below:
PART ONE (In case you missed. It was posted this morning, India time.)
even to tailgunner.......
Merry Christmas! These are lovely.
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