Special prayers, traditional festivities mark Xmas in Kerala

: Special prayers, stars and cribs depicting the nativity scene, and traditional delicacies marked the Christmas celebrations in Kerala Tuesday, where Christians account for nearly one-fourth of the population.

Rejoicing the birth of Jesus Christ, people in the southern state celebrated the festival with traditional fervour and piety.

Cutting across age barriers, faithfuls thronged churches and cathedrals for special prayers and midnight mass.

Senior bishops and priests conducted special mass and gave out the Christmas message.

While cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis led the midnight mass at St Mary's Malankara Syrian Catholic Cathedral, Pattom, here, archbishop Soosa Pakiyam led the prayers at the St Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral at Palayam, here.

Houses and commercial establishments were decorated with glittering Christmas trees, stars and cribs.

While bakeries came out with variety of cakes, hotels offered special lunch and dinners.

Carol groups and art clubs were busy at every doorstep singing traditional songs.

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala greeted the people on the occasion.