People celebrate Christmas across India

Mumbai, Kolkata,MANALI - People across India celebrated Christmas with great fervour and enthusiasm.

Scores of people lit candles in Mumbai and attended Mass at midnight of December 25.

“Christmas has been very auspicious, because since school days I have been celebrating the festival with all my friends and all my schoolmates. So, it is being very auspicious,” said Payal Sahni, a resident.

People in Kolkata spread the message of peace and harmony.

“Christmas is universal brotherhood; it teaches all religions and preaches harmony. The world is not meant for any community particularly but it is for every individual born. So, Christianity, whether it is Hinduism, Islam, every religion preaches to live in harmony,” said John Pinto, a Kolkata resident.

“Certainly Christianity has taught us many things and one of them is love yourself, love your neighbour, and love your country,” he added.

On the eve of Christmas, Manali lured tourists from across the country to celebrate the festival.

“Manali is known for such occasions like, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas Eve. So, we are here to witness Christmas Eve and celebrations,” said Harish Sharma, a visitor from New Delhi.

The security arrangements were beefed up across the country on Christmas. (ANI)