Meghalaya celebrates Christmas

Christmas was celebrated throughout Meghalaya with midnight services in churches and tourists and locals exchanging greetings and gifts with friends and relatives today.
The state capital was decked up with government and private buildings as well as streets being illuminated and decorated with Christmas trees, banners and festoons.
A special programme for the hearing-impaired believers was organised in one of the oldest churches here at Police Bazaar.
At Shillong Catholic Cathedral, a special midnight service was led by Arch Bishop Rev Dominic Jala.
Individual artistes and gospel bands enthralled crowds with traditional Christmas songs like 'Jingle Bells', 'Oh Holy Night' and 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' during road rallies.

While in the Garo Hills region Christmas celebration and preparation for the New Year were going on, Tura town was illuminated with different coloured lights.

Wishing the people, Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan said, "We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who gave the valuable and eternal message of peace, tolerance, compassion, love and brotherhood."
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, on behalf of his Cabinet colleagues, also wished the people a very happy Christmas.
He said, "As we once again celebrate his birthday may the spirit of love and compassion fill our hearts with everlasting joy and peace.