Chennai:
Christmas was celebrated with usual gaiety and fervour in Tamil Nadu today.
A large number of devotees attended the midnight masses and special prayers were held in various churches, including the ancient Santhome Basilica Church in Chennai and exchanged greetings. Homes were decorated with Christmas trees and Christmas stars.
Pilgrims from several parts of the country thronged the Shrine Basillica of Our Lady of Health at Velankanni in Nagapattinam district.
As the clock struck 12 midnight, priests of the church came in a procession to announce the birth of Jesus. Children carried candles and the Holy Bible in the procession.
Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah and various political party leaders including DMK Chief M Karunanidhi extended Christmas greetings on the occasion.