Christmas celebrations are in full swing across the country and abroad. Churches and chapels resonated with the sound of bells, which along with midnight masses marked the Christmas celebrations in Goa, to mark the birth of Lord Jesus.

There were grand displays of fireworks also to mark the joyous occasion of arrival of Lord Jesus. People, dressed in their best to suit the occasion, thronged in large numbers to the churches and chapels in their areas to attend the midnight mass.

AIR Panaji correspondent reports that the churches, chapels, homes have been tastefully decorated to suit the event with cribs depicting the birth of Lord Jesus in Bethlehem being set up at various places.

AIR Mumbai correspondent reports that Christians dressed in the festive best, turned out in strength to attend mass prayers in various churches of the metro polis.

AIR Thiruvananthapuram correspondent reports that midnight mass and special prayers were held in cathedrals and churches across Kerala to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ.

In West Asia the Christmas celebrations have been kicked off with mid night masses and festivities. The expatriate Indian community is celebrating Christmas festivities with traditional gaiety and fervour. The main attraction has been the celebrations at Bethleham, the birth place of Jesus Christ. The Jerusalem Patriarch Fuad Twal, the senior most Catholic bishop in the region called upon the people to work for peace and stability in the region.