X'mas celebrated with traditional gaiety

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Christians in Kerala on Tuesday celebrated Christmas with traditional piety and gaiety and prelates, during special masses in churches, urged the faithful to live up to the message of love, peace and hope, symbolising the occasion.
  
People in large numbers turned up for midnight masses in churches of different denominations, including the Catholic cathedrals in major cities of the state.
  
Chruches were tastefully decorated with twinkling stars, illuminations and Christmas trees. The birth-in-the-manger scene dominated the settings.
   
The state had been in a festive mood days before the Christmas, with artificial stars heralding the Nativity, seen everywhere in villages and towns and carol singers doing the rounds, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
   
Governor R L Bhatia, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, leaders of various political parties and church heads greeted the people on the occasion.