Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is being celebrated across the globe today.
In the West Bank town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, thousands celebrated the midnight mass attended by Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and other dignitaries. In Vatican City, Pope Francis celebrated his first Christmas as pontiff with a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
In Goa, people from all communities including tourists joined hands to celebrate the festival. Carols, cakes, candles and decoration of Christmas trees marked it.
In Meghalaya, people attended special church services and exchanged gifts. The state capital Shillong has turned into a fairyland with spectacular illumination and decoration.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the midnight prayer and participated in Christmas carol at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted the people on the occasion.
