Midnight masses and colourful processions mark fest in Meghalaya

Shillong: Midnight services in churches across the state heralded the birth of Jesus Christ.Thousands of faithful took part in the special prayer sessions and midnight masses which were conducted in the numerous tastefully illuminated churches. Carol groups of various churches sang through the streets of the state throughout the day announcing the “good message” of the advent of Christ on Christmas Eve.The Pine City, where Christmas trees are for real, is all decked up for Christmas and the forthcoming New Year celebrations. Both government and private buildings and street corners have been illuminated and decorated with Christmas trees, banners and festoons.Special programmes, including traditional Christmas carols and colourful processions, have lifted the festive spirit.Individual artists and gospel bands have been enthralling the crowds with traditional Christmas songs.The hectic last-minute shopping and nightlong concerts marked Christmas Eve. Commercial hubs like Police Bazar (Khyndailad) and Iewduh (Barabazar), one of the biggest markets in the northeast, were crowded with people buying clothes, foodstuff and other Christmas items.

Christmas is here, bedecked churches ready to welcome devotees for Mass

Pune churches prepare for Christmas eve midnight Mass with joy and cheer. Carol singers and nativity scenes add to the festive atmosphere. Several churches have started donation drives for the underprivileged. All Saints Church in Khadki expects a large crowd for their carol singing performance. St. Patrick's Cathedral anticipates hosting 4,000 devotees for the Mass.

Christmas GK: Was Jesus Christ Really born on 25th December?

This article discusses the birth month of Jesus Christ and challenges the traditional notion that he was born on December 25. Historical evidence suggests that December would not have been a likely time for shepherds to be tending their flocks or for a mandatory census that required extensive travel. Instead, Jesus' birth might have occurred in a warmer season, such as June. The choice of December for Christmas celebration was influenced by existing pagan festivities, such as the winter solstice and Saturnalia. Church leaders strategically linked Jesus' birth to the winter solstice to ease the transition to Christianity for pagans.

Century-old churches in city light up for Christmas

St. Mary's Cathedral, a Neo-Romanesque style monumental structure, is fully decked up with Christmas decorations. The interiors of the cathedral have been draped in white, adorned with colourful lights. The pulpit is decorated with cloth rolls hanging from the ceiling. Additionally, two cribs have been put up, depicting the scene of nativity. The cathedral ground and trees are decorated with festoons and lights. A giant TV screen has been installed to live stream the mass for the thousands of people who turn up for the Christmas mass.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword.