Christians across the world are celebrating Christmas with traditional fervour and piety. In Vatican, Pope Francis led the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics into Christmas, urging those intoxicated by possessions and superficial appearances to return to the essential values of life. In the holy city of Bethlehem, the West Bank town where it is believed that Jesus was born, events have been overshadowed by recent violence between Palestinians and Israelis.<br/><br/>At home, midnight masses in churches marked the commencement of Christmas celebrations. In Goa, the streets leading to the coastal villages were jammed with the vehicles as tourist inflow is also on rise for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Traditional dance parties were organised at various places to usher in the festive season.<br/>In Kerala, to add to the festive spirit, churches, homes and commercial establishments were tastefully decorated with stars and cribs depicting the nativity scene.

Christians across the world are celebrating Christmas with traditional fervour and piety. In Vatican, Pope Francis led the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics into Christmas, urging those intoxicated by possessions and superficial appearances to return to the essential values of life. In the holy city of Bethlehem, the West Bank town where it is believed that Jesus was born, events have been overshadowed by recent violence between Palestinians and Israelis.<br/><br/>At home, midnight masses in churches marked the commencement of Christmas celebrations. In Goa, the streets leading to the coastal villages were jammed with the vehicles as tourist inflow is also on rise for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Traditional dance parties were organised at various places to usher in the festive season.<br/>In Kerala, to add to the festive spirit, churches, homes and commercial establishments were tastefully decorated with stars and cribs depicting the nativity scene. <br/><br/>In Tamil Nadu as well, devotees went to the churches and attended midnight masses in Velankanni, Tiruachirapalli, Chennai, Nagercoil and Nagapattinam. It seems stars have come down to earth from the Heaven as houses were decorated with star lights. Crackers were burst to announce the birth of Jesus. In the Velankanni Our Lady of Health Basilica faithful from neighbouring states like Kerala, Andhra apart from home state attended the midnight mass. <br/><br/>Velankanni town was bedecked with colourful lights and Christmas stars. Motifs of birth of Infant Jesus were kept with decorated Christmas tree. Special mass prayers are being held in Tamil, English, Malayalam, Konkani throughout the day. People greeted each other and Christmas cakes were presented.<br/> <br/>The President, Vice President and the Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the occasion of Christmas.

Christmas is being celebrated across the world with enthusiasm and religious fervor today. Celebrations began with Pope Francis holding midnight mass at the Vatican. In the holy city of Bethlehem, the West Bank town where it is believed that Jesus was born, events have been overshadowed by recent violence between Palestinians and Israelis.<br/><br/>Back home, in Goa, a special mass was held in churches at midnight hour to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Morning mass is being held in all churches, where tourists and residents started thronging since yesterday. People from all communities are greeting each other and expressing joy on the occasion. <br/>In Nagaland, Christmas eve mass and night service was held at churches in Kohima to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang appealed people to forgive and learn from the wrongs of the past and to steer the destiny of Naga people to a better future. <br/>Holding of mass prayers, ceremonial processions and distribution of sweets mark Christmas celebrations in West Bengal. Churches in Kolkata, Hooghly and other parts of the state have been decorated with ceremonial lights. <br/>In Himachal Pradesh, tourists in large numbers have arrived at various famous tourist destinations on the occasion of Christmas. State Police have beefed up security and all vehicles are being checked at entry points.