As bells tolled, worshippers thronged churches and cathedrals decorated with twinking lights for the midnight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sparkling Christmas trees and gift items adorned the marketplaces which wore a festive look as community feasts, exchange of greetings and colourful processions marked the occasion.
Traditional Christmas carols rendered the air festive with gospel bands enthralling the merry-makers with songs like 'Jingle Bells', 'Oh Holy Night' and 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town'.
It was a busy day for Santa Claus, a man in red with a flowing white beard, who went from place to place cheering the revellers.
Redemption, rejoicing, feasting and singing marked the birth of Jesus Christ in the North-East which has sizeable Christians.
Meghalaya's capital Shillong was decked up for the occasion as buildings and street-corners were illuminated and decorated with Christmas trees, banners and festoons.
Long queues were seen in front of prominent bakeries in the city selling designer cakes.
Stores stocking Xmas merchandise were inundated with shoppers as sumptuous feast formed an important part of the celebrations in many homes.
Faithful across Nagaland celebrated Christmas with joy and religious fervour as bright sunshine enveloped the skyline since morning.
In Kerala, agog with festivities for the past few days, churches and homes were tastefully decorated. MORE
