TN celebrates Christmas

Chennai, Dec 25 (IANS) Tamil Nadu on Tuesday celebrated Christmas with religious fervour, traditional gaiety and enthusiasm to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Bishops and priests led the faithfuls at the Midnight Mass in cathedrals and churches as bells tolled, signalling the moment of nativity of Christ. Early morning masses were also conducted in many churches across the state. People in new clothes thronged at their parishes for special prayers and exchanged greetings and pleasantries. Christmas trees dotted various shopping malls and hotels across the state. The largest congregation was held at the Santhome Basilica in the city. Several political leaders including Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, and DMK President M.K. Stalin greeted the people on the occasion.