SRINAGAR: Christmas was today celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir with traditional gaiety, religious fervour and enthusiasm.
Despite minus 2 degrees minimum temperature, a large number of people participated in the midnight mass held at all churches to mark the occasion.
People, attired in colourful dresses, exchanged greetings with each other and distributed sweets.
All the churches in the state were illuminated and tastefully decorated for the occasion.
Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah greeted the people on the occasion. Mr Vohra expressed the hope that this auspicious occasion would be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity for the state.
In a message, he observed that the apostle of peace, Jesus Christ, preached love, compassion and brotherhood, adding that his teachings are perhaps more relevant now than ever before, when the world is ridden with hate, greed, intolerance and violence.
He expressed sincere hope that this auspicious occasion would usher the strengthening of communal bonds, brotherhood, amity and the glorious pluralistic traditions for which Jammu and Kashmir has been known for centuries.
Vohra wished the people a bright and happy Christmas and prayed for their well-being.
Abdullah also extended greetings to the people wishing them well being and prosperity. In his greetings, the Chief Minister said, “Hazrat Eisa Masseh preached love, brotherhood, peace, tolerance and selfless service to mankind. “Hazrat Eisa Masseh message is as relevant today as it has been always,” he said and prayed for peace and prosperity to the state and the country
