Christmas was celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervour in Tamil Nadu today with scores of believers thronging Churches for prayers and masses.
The birth of Lord Jesus was ushered in by the faithfuls who thronged popular churches across the state, including at Santhome here and Vailakanni in Nagappatinam district for prayers and midnight masses.
At Kanyakumari, a section of fishermen celerbated Christmas mid-sea on boats. Such a celebration was held to recognise the sea's importance in ensuring them their livelihood, they said.
Homes were decorrated with stars and Christmas trees.
Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, DMK President M Karunanidhi and other leaders have extended Christmas greetings.
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A report from Velankanni said priests at Shrine Basilica of our Lady of Health, led by the Rector Prabhakaran Adigal, offered prayers in English and Tamil.
Church sources said a special prayer would be held tomorrow at 8 AM in memory of those who lost their lives in the December 2014 tsunami.
The faithful also participated in special prayers at New Jerusalem Church at Tarangambadi in the district, the oldest protestant church in Asia.
The church was built by Ziegenbalg in the year 1718 AD and is still in use.
