Pomp, gaiety mark merry Christmas in Karnataka

Midnight mass, special prayers, chiming bells, singing of carols and a rich feasts with pomp and gaiety marked Christmas celebrations across Karnataka Wednesday.

Thousands of devout Christians thronged the prominent churches across the capital such as St. Patricks, St. Mary's Basilica, St. Mark's Cathedral and Infant Jesus to attend a special mass and celebrate the birth of Jesus over two millennia ago at Bethlehem.

Dressed in their new attire, young and old, men and women, joined Bangalore Archbishop Bernard Moras and scores of parish priests, fathers and nuns to invoke God's blessing for peace, happiness and prosperity.

Presence of Santa Claus at every church distributing gifts and sweets to children, and decoration of prayer halls and colourful lights illumining X'mas tree and busy shopping areas on Brigade Road in the city centre livened up the spirit of yuletide.

"God chose to enter our world and share our human limits in Jesus at Christmas," Moras told the gathering after the mass at St.Patrick's church.

Noting that Christmas was a reminder of god's love for humanity, he said the birth of Jesus was an assurance that god was with humankind in all its struggles.

"Christmas is a promise of inner spiritual peace and a blessing of god's peaceful presence with his people in troubled times," Moras added.

Extending his Christmas greetings on the occasion, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the message of Jesus Christ, who preached peace to humankind and love to all, especially the poor and downtrodden, was relevant even now.

According to reports from Mangalore, Mysore, Belgaum, Hubli and other cities across the state, the festival was celebrated with religious fervour and was marked by carol singing and special prayers.

Reverend Thomas Antony Vazhapilly placed the idol of Infant Jesus in the crib at a mass in St. Philomena's church in Mysore city.