Christmas celebrated in nation with religious fervour as 2020 bids adieu

Panaji:Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferro extended greetings to the people on the eve of Christmas.

In a message, he said,''Christmas this year comes under the most unprecedented circumstances: the Covid-19 pandemic is holding sway over our lives, almost like a cloud of darkness that threatens to overcome the light. Christmas, however, has the power to overcome all shades of darkness. It will always remain a joyful event, bringing, as a famous Carol says, "Joy to the world!"

''It is in this joy that I send Christmas greetings to our faithful and to the people of Goa in general, invoking on them blessings of the peace, the joy and the love that Jesus Christ brought to this world two thousand years ago. While commemorating His birth once again, I pray that He, the Babe of of Bethlehem and the Prince od Peace, may help us all to promote understanding and to sustain our efforts to build peace, trust and reconciliation: values for which Christ was born, lived and died," he said.

Ganga Prasad has urged public to follow the path of Jesus

Gangtok: Governor Ganga Prasad in his Greeting message on the eve of Christmas has wished Merry Christmas to all.In his Greetings in Hindi, he said, ''Jesus had spread love, peace and goodwill across the World and inspired people.'''

Governor urged the people to follow the noble path of God Jesus.Further, he has urged the public to follow the path shown by Jesus and draw wisdom from his sermons.

VP greets nation on eve of Christmas

New Delhi: Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu greeted the nation on the eve of Christmas.In a message, the Vice-President said, ''I convey my warm greetings and best wishes to all our fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Christmas. 

''Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. The festival reaffirms our faith in the values of compassion and forgiveness taught by Lord Jesus for the enlightenment of humanity.

''Christmas is a joyous occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate the festival in a grand way. But due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic this year, we must be content with a modest celebration.

''Let us together pray for the health and well-being of people of the entire world. May this festival bring peace, harmony, health and happiness in our lives,'' he added.

CM visits Archbishop House on Xmas eve, extends greetings

Ranchi:On Christmas Eve Chief Minister Hemant Soren visited Archbishop House located at Purulia road and extended his greetings to Archbishop Father Felix Toppo. 

The Chief Minister later also extended his greetings to all the people of the state and the country on Christmas. He said that due to pandemic Coronavirus this time the celebrations are a bit muted however people are linked with their tradition which they will continue to remain attached with.

He urged the people to celebrate the festival with simplicity with their family members. In wake of Christmas all the prominent churches of the capital including Saint Paul's Cathedral and Saint Maria Cathedral have been beautifully decorated. 

However this time around there will be no midnight mass at the Churches in wake of the pandemic but all the churches have made arrangements for the people to participate in the prayers via online mode from their homes.

Despite the pandemic the streets were busy with people indulging in last minute shopping especially the bakeries selling Christmas special cakes doing a brisk business. Crowd of the people was also seen at gift shops and those selling festival specific gifts and other decorative items.

People hailing of the community have also decorated their homes with lights and luminaries.

X-mas celebrated in TN with religious fervour

Chennai:Christmas, the festival marking the birth of Jesus Christ, was celebrated with religious fervour, traditional  gaiety by the Christians in Tamil Nadu on Friday. It was a low key celebrations this year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The State government as part of relaxations, allowed religiouscongregations by strictly wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing norms.  

As church bells tolled signalling the moment of Nativity, faithfuls converged for the Midnight mass in cathedrals and churches as senior bishops and priests delivered the Christmas message. 

Midnight and early morning masses were conducted  in all the churches across the State in which faithfuls participated by following the SOP measures announced by the government.

Christians attired in new clothes thronged the churches for special masses and exchanged greetings and pleasantries with others.All the churches were tastefully decorated and illuminated to mark the occasion.

X-mas trees of various hues and sizes dotted various shopping malls and hotels across the state.The biggest congregation was held at the Santhome Basilica in the city.

Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, leaders of various political parties, including DMK President M K Stalin, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, TMC leader G K Vasan, DMDK Founder Vijayakanth, PMK Founder Dr S Ramadoss, PMK Youth Wing leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, AMMK Founder TTV Dhinakaran and IUML National President K M Khader Moideen also greeted the Christians on the occasion.

Christmas celebrated in UT with religious fervour

Puducherry:Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ was celebrated with religious fervour and  enthusiasm by  Christians in the Union Territory on Friday.Midnight masses were conducted in all the churches here by adhering  to COVID-19 guidelines.

Since, restriction was there in allowing  believers into the church for the midnight mass, morning mass was also being conducted in several churches.

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy participated in the midnight mass  in three churches in Puducherry.Christians also exchanged sweets and pleasantries on the occasion.

Christmas reminds us of miracles, life & teachings of Jesus: PS Tamang

Gangtok:Chief Minister  Prem Singh Tamang has extended his cordial greetings to the people of Sikkim on the auspicious occasion of Christmas.

''Christmas commemorates the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and is observed throughout the world by the Christian community on 25 December. People sing carols, exchange gifts and spend time with their family and loved ones. The day reminds us of the life of Lord Jesus, his teachings and miracles and how it shaped the world over centuries,'' said CM Tamang. 

In his message,  Chief Minister has further stated that the true heart of Christmas is one of wonder and warmth and the ideals of Lord Jesus Christ shows us the way of truth and the way of life and may it continue to spread the message of love, affection, peace and harmony.

PM greets nation on Christmas

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the nation on Christmas.

"Merry Christmas! The life and principles of Lord Christ gives strength to millions across the 

world. May his path keep showing the way in building a just and inclusive society. May everybody be happy and healthy,'' the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

Guv, CM extend Christmas greetings

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu have extended their greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Christmas.

In his message to the people, the Governor said, "Christmas marks a moment to pause, to reflect and believe in the possibilities of a new beginning and new dedication of mankind to humanism. It also promotes goodwill and realization of the sense of joy among people in accordance with the purposes of God."

On this festive occasion, let us also resolve to beat back the threat of Covid-19 pandemic by observing all necessary precautions and protocols against the deadly Coronavirus, he said.

The Governor expressed his hope that the festive occasion ushers-in peace, love and tranquillity throughout the state, nation and world.

Conveying his greetings and best wishes, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said,  "Christmas is a festival that strengthens the bond of brotherhood that we all share irrespective of our beliefs. May this Christmas unfold another new chapter in communal harmony, brotherhood and peace and prosperity of our beloved Arunachal Pradesh. Merry Christmas to all!".

In his message, Arunachal Assembly Speaker PD Sona expressed hope that the festive occasion will spread the message of the benevolence of Lord Jesus Christ and usher-in peace, love and amity throughout the region, nation and the world.

Prez greets nation on Christmas

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday greeted the nation on Christmas.

In a tweet, the President said, ''Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope this festival nurtures peace and prosperity, and helps strengthen harmony in society. Let us follow Christ's teachings of 

love, compassion, and charity, committing ourselves to the welfare of our society and nation.''

(UNI)