Christmas is being celebrated across the country and the world today. The day marks the birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Despite biting cold in Delhi a large number to Christians attended special midnight mass and services at various churches. Churches were also full in several cities in Kearala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, north east and other places. Carol singers were also doing rounds visiting homes with the good news of birth of Christ.<br/><br/>The President , the Vice President and the Prime Minister have greeted the people on the occasion. In her message,the President Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil said that the festival of Christmas reminds us the message of Jesus Christ to promote peace, unity and harmony in the society. The Vice President , M. Hamid Ansari said that Jesus Christ showed mankind, the path of compassion, tolerance, love, brotherhood and sacrifice. In his message ,the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said that the spirit of Christmas strengthens the values of brotherhood, tolerance and caring.<br/>Ringing of bells, prayers and carols in the churches across Mumbai ushered in Christmas celebrations to mark the birth of Jesus Christ at the stroke of midnight.<br/><br/>Thousands of Christians participated in the midnight mass-held in Mumbai between 8-10.30 pm in view of the noise pollution restrictions. Archbishop of Mumbai Cardinal Oswald Gracias celebrated the main mass at Holy Name Cathedral open ground in south Mumbai. Christian-dominated areas of Mumbai like Colaba, Mazagaon, Parel, Bandra, Khar, Santacruz and Vasai in neighbouring Thane district wore a festive look with lanterns, colourful fairy-lights, and other decorations. Soon after the mass, Christians cheerfully greeted their near and dear ones.<br/>Many Mumbaikars have ventured out of the city to enjoy the extended weekend. Goa, with the rest of the world is celebrating Christmas today.<br/>Christmas was celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervour across the capital today as large crowds were witnessed at the special church services to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Hyms were sung in praise of Jesus Christ. Besides, the Pastors gave readings from the Bible and the message of Christ to the people. people also revelled in the festivities by wearing new clothes, uniting with their larger families and giving gifts to their loved young ones. Having a feast is an essential part of celebrating Christmas. Many people visited their favourite restaurants in the city to have the traditional roast turkey and sangrias. <br/>AIR correspondent reports that the Christmas cakes were a big sell-out of the day at all pastry shops of the city. <br/>In Meghalaya Christians today celebrated Christmas amidst of great gaiety and religious fervour. People across the state participated since last night different midnight mass. Churches are seen to have been illuminated by lights in a grand way. Carol song followed by vaidic mantra in Shilllong Ramakrishna mission was chanted to celebrate Jeus birth in the city Shillong today. <br/> <br/> <br/>The abode of cloud Meghalaya along with other north-eastern state today celebrated Christmas with great religious fervour and gaiety. People cutting across different sections were also took part in the celebration of Jesus. <br/> <br/>Today, prayer services were also conducted in all the churches to mark the occasion. Christmas trees adorned almost every household. Youngsters, clad in new clothes went around the city singing carols, celebrating Christmas with great enthusiasm. People from different religious backgrounds also took part in the celebrations and exchanged greetings.<br/> <br/>Spreading the messages of love, peace and universal brotherhood, the Ramakrishna Mission here celebrated Christmas with a difference. Christians and Hindus sang together Christmas carols. A Puja was conducted amidst 'Vedic chanting' offering prayers to Jesus Christ. A mix of Hindu and Christian cultures marked the worshipping of Lord Jesus <br/> <br/> <br/>In the Christian majority state of Nagaland, Christmas was today celebrated along the lines of ethnic traditions where the day has been an occasion of reunion for families’ clans, villagers and grand community feasts. People were seen thronging to churches in their best attires to attend the morning services where exchange of greetings and gifts marked the celebration across the state. This year’s Christmas season assumes significance for the state as it witnessed one of the most peaceful atmosphere in a long time. Christmas is also indeed special for the state as the celebration knows no barriers of caste creed and color. AIR Kohima correspondent, visited the only orphanage home in the capital town, and shared some light moments with the children: <br/>