25 Dec : The world is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ by gathering at beautiful decorated Churches for a midnight mass.
Christmas marks the birth of Lord Jesus is being celebrated today across the globe, crossing the bounds of religion.
The festival of joy and peace began at Christmas Eve with partying; and celebrations and still continue.
The birth is also celebrated by singing Christmas carols. The lively city of Mumbai is celebrating the festival with zeal and enthusiasm. People gathered for prayers at churches and greeted each other on the auspicious occasion.
Whereas, the city of Goa is buzzing with Christmas celebrations as midnight mass held at various decorated churches across the city. Prayers are also being held on the occasion.
According to the U.S.North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Santa has left the North Pole, marking the official beginning of Christmas 2009. North American Aerospace Defense Command has promised to track Santa for children around the world.
Thousands of people have attended Christmas Eve celebrations at the birthplace of Christianity in Bethlehem.
Christmas Eve began with festive marches through Manger Square by Palestinian boy and girl scouts.The celebrations took place outside the ancient Church of the Nativity, where tradition says Jesus was born.Bethlehem is in the Palestinian-ruled West Bank, and religion mixed with nationalism.In Pakistan, the Christmas festivities are normally lively and cheerful, involving family visits, parties, carol singing and exchanging gifts.
Iraqi Christians attended Christmas mass amid wide security concerns including assassination threats and attacks targeting a number of Churches in Mosul and Kirkuk.In many parts of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and mainly Eastern European countries, the so-called “Christkind” has been doing Santa’s job for hundreds of years.
Hundreds of Catholic followers and the plain curious flocked to a traditional evening mass on Christmas Eve at Beijing’s Southern Cathedral.As Christmas fever grips India, school children in Bhopal shed Santa’s Red robes for Green, spreading a message to Save Earth.
Parties and dancing is an integral part of the festivities, and all Goans and tourists participate in them wholeheartedly. Beaches and roads are covered with people, dressed in the best of attire.
Houses are decorated in a typical christmas style with the glowing star and little Christmas trees in Mumbai.
The small trees are decorated with tinsel stars, cotton or snow flakes, lights, candy and cakes. Carols singing and sending cards are a must.
Creating clay statues also form an important part of the Christmas festival.