New Delhi [India]: Cities across India were adorned with dazzling lights and festive decorations on Tuesday night, setting the stage for Christmas celebrations. Churches and markets glowed with vibrant lights, sparkling stars, and intricately arranged Christmas cribs, creating a magical atmosphere.
The festive spirit was palpable, with communities coming together to celebrate the joyous occasion. Churches were beautifully decorated, drawing large crowds for prayer and reflection. Markets buzzed with energy as people shopped for Christmas trees, gifts, and treats, adding to the excitement.
From Kerala to Himachal Pradesh, visuals of celebrations showcased India’s festive unity. In Kerala’s Ernakulam, the St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral was adorned with lights and stars, with devotees singing hymns and carols. Similarly, special prayers were held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral in Thiruvananthapuram.
In Goa’s Panaji, the iconic Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church was lit up, while Tamil Nadu’s Madurai saw the St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral decorated and glowing. Chennai’s Santhome Cathedral Basilica hosted special prayers, and devotees in Thoothukudi attended midnight mass at the Thiru Iruthaya Andavar Church.
Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, showcased grand celebrations at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. Mumbai’s Our Lady of Salvation Church and the Church of Our Lady of Victories were illuminated with lights and festive decorations as devotees sang hymns.
Other notable celebrations included prayers at Odisha’s Cuttack Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary Cathedral and Rajasthan’s Ajmer St. Anselm Church. In Delhi, the Sacred Heart Cathedral saw a large turnout of devotees, while Kolkata’s iconic Park Street dazzled with festive lights.
From the snowy landscapes of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu and Manali to the serene Christ Church at Shimla’s Ridge, the festive cheer reached every corner. In Tripura’s Agartala, Mariam Nagar Catholic Church displayed breathtaking decorations, while Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow and Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada lit up with Christmas joy.
Assam’s Dispur Catholic Cathedral Church and Ranchi’s St. Mary’s Cathedral in Jharkhand also witnessed heartfelt celebrations, with prayers and candle lighting ceremonies marking the occasion.