Kohima: Nagaland on Thursday celebrated Christmas with religious fervour throughout the state in a peaceful atmosphere.
Christians dominate the state and the celebrations commenced on Wednesday evening as youngsters moved around in groups while making camp fires besides holding midnight services in many churches for repentance, forgiveness and salvation.
Christian believers continued singing hymns and carols while fire crackers started bursting from midnight. People were in their best attires Thursday morning and headed to the churches for prayers.
Decorations have been put up in many places including the state capital Kohima and major towns like Mokokchung and Dimapur to mark the day and the New Year celebrations as government and private buildings as well as street were illuminated with decorative lights.
Wishing a joyous Christmas and a prosperous new year to the people of the state, Nagaland Governor P B Acharya said “Christmas is an occasion to renew the bond of love, tolerance and compassion as was taught by Jesus Christ to the world. The celebration of Christmas reassures the believers of Christ to live on the principle of humanity.”
He also expressed hope that the celebration would bring peace, happiness, progress and prosperity to everyone. Chief Minister TR Zeliang said “Let us all give glory to God and there may be peace and goodwill among us.”