NEW DELHI, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Christian community across India on Wednesday celebrated the Christmas festival with joy.
Special prayers were held at churches across almost all the main cities and major towns in India.
Churches in four metropolitan cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai were decorated with buntings, lights and Christmas trees.
In the capital city of Delhi, markets and shopping malls have made special arrangements for Christmas, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
In Mumbai, several buildings have been lit up with decorative lights while houses have been adorned with decorations.
In Goa, markets and buildings are decorated with Christmas trees or lit up.
Officials said a large number of tourists have arrived in the coastal state to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
In Tamil Nadu, the faithful thronged to the churches early Wednesday morning to offer special prayers and sing Christmas hymns.
Christmas is an official holiday in India. ■
