The Meghalaya Old Lagislative Assembly illuminated on the ocation of Christmas Celebration in city on Thursday. (Photo by Sanjib Bhattacharjee). Shillong Times

SHILLONG, Dec 25 – Meghalaya celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ with Midnight Masses and special prayer sessions across the State, as tourists and locals joined in the festivities with religious fervour. The capital city of Shillong was decked up for Christmas and the forthcoming New Year celebrations as government and private buildings as well as street corners were illuminated and decorated with Christmas trees, banners and festoons.

Special programmes, including traditional Christmas carols and colourful processions, were held as tourists flocked to this hill state to participate in the Christmas celebrations.

Individual artistes and gospel bands enthralled the crowds with traditional Christmas songs like “Jingle Bells”, “Oh Holy Night” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”.

Hectic last minute shopping and nightlong concerts marked the Christmas Eve. Commercial hubs of the city like Police Bazar and Iewduh (Barabazar), one of the biggest markets in the North East were crowded with people buying clothes, foodstuff and otherChristmas items.

Long queues were seen in front of the prominent bakeries in the city selling ‘designer’ cakes.

Known for attractive illumination during Christmas and New Year, the Garo Hills too is agog with festivity.

Arch Bishop Dominic Jala said, “This is a festival which allows people to come together as it marks the coming of Christ into this world.Christmas symbolizes peace and prosperity among mankind and people should work for the benefit and welfare of humanity.”

He also called upon the people to forgive others as Christmas is a festival which encourages forgiveness and mercy. – PTI

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