Yuletide comes knocking in the North East on Christmas eve

Guwahati, Dec 24 (UNI) The entire North Eastern region with a sizeable Christian population has come alive with enthusiasm and is all geared up to mark the birth of Jesus Christ with midnight masses and other festivities tomorrow.

Meghalaya had already set the mood of Christmas with carol-singing since the past week in the capital. Shillong, known as the 'Scotland of the East' has been transformed into a fairyland.

Stars atop every house illuminates the streets, marking the beginning of Christmas celebrations.

People of all religion have joined the festive fervour.

Central Puja Committee general secretary J L Das said, '' Like the past years, this year too we have joined our Christian brethren in Christmas celebrations. '' Special cakes are being baked, and greeting cards and gifts exchanged not only among Christians, but among people of all religions.

The yuletide spirit has overwhelmed the Christian-dominated state of Nagaland with churches in every nook and cranny of the state beautifully decorated. Special morning and evening services have already started in the churches since the beginning of this month.

Shops had also been decorated to attract customers as this time of the year, which is also a time for shopping for the people of Nagaland.

All government offices, including those of the central government and Banks, have been decorated but the ongoing power shortage was playing a spoilsport in this regard.

Mizoram, already earning a name for their love for music, has set the mood with carols and other merriment.

Carol groups from the state have also left for other parts of the region as well as outside to enthrall the people with songs of glory of Christ.

The other states of the region, including Asom, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura, have also joined in the festivities of the Christian community.

People, specially the children and teenagers, have been seen exchanging Christmas cards with shops brightly decorated and streets lit to mark Christmas in these states as well.

The political leaders have also extended their greetings to all on the occasion of Christmas, with most of them likely to attend mid-night masses at major churches across the region.

UNI SG SJC LL VC1816