The miniscule Christian population of Kashmir on Wednesday celebrated Christmas with traditional enthusiasm and religious fervour as the devotees thronged churches for mass as special prayers were held for peace in the valley.
The biggest mass in the Valley was held at the Holy Family Catholic Church at Maulana Azad Road in the heart of Srinagar city, where hundreds of Christians including women and children assembled to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ and held special prayers.
The church was decorated with colourful buntings and balloons and wore a festive look.
Among those who prayed were tourists from different parts of the country who joined the locals on the auspicious day and prayed for peace in Kashmir and rest of the world.
Similar prayers were held at other churches in the city, at Saint Joseph''s Church in north Kashmir''s Baramulla, the oldest Catholic Church in Jammu and Kashmir and at the Church in the tourist resort of Gulmarg.
This year, people missed ''white Christmas'' as there was no snowfall ahead of the celebrations, however, early snowfall this winter ensured that the tourist resort of Gulmarg had plenty of snow.
Reports said at Holy Family Catholic Church at Maulan Azad Road, hundreds of Christians including children and women assembled to celebrate the birthday of Christ (A.S) and participated in special prayers.
A devotee said that they prayed for world peace and especially peace for Kashmir that has been witnessing so much trouble. He said that a special prayer was conducted for Kashmir on the eve of Christmas.
Chirstmas was also celebrated in Baramulla where a number of people visited the Church and offered special prayers. Christians celebrate Christmas to remember Christ (A.S) who according to them was born on Dec 25 at Nazareth, Bethlem.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor G C Murmu greeted people and prayed for peace and prosperity in the Union Territory (UT).
Members of other communities were seen greeting their Christian brethren on the occasion. Christian and members of other faiths besides government officials and some foreigners participated in the prayers at Gulmarg, where Director Tourism Kashmir, Nisar Ahmad Wani Tuesday inaugurated the 7-day skiing course for local youth.
Locals who are looking after the Church said this year the number of outsiders was very less as compared to last year. They said the number of tourists has dropped considerably after government advisory to tourist to leave when centre scrapped Article 370 and 35 A, besides divided the state into two UTs.