Prayers, gifts, fairy lights herald Christmas in city

The Christmas spirit engulfed the city as Bengalureans thronged churches in devotion and sang carols during the early hours of Monday.

Carols like 'Joy to the World' and 'Silent Night, Holy Night' reverberated through the city's churches, which were decorated with banners, wreaths, stars of all colours, flowers, lighting, Christmas trees and candles.

Every church had recreated the scene of Christ's birth, complete with Mary and Joseph in the company of the angels, three wise men and shepherds.

Churches, including St Mark's Church on MG Road, St Joseph's Church, Chamarajpet, and St Patrick's Church at Brigade Road, among others, organised numerous Christmas masses.

Shops and streets, too, wore a festive look. Malls and eateries welcomed visitors with attractive festive offers.  

A life-sized Santa Claus welcomed visitors at the Forum Mall in Koramangala, while huge Christmas trees and chariots were installed in other commercial areas.

Keeping the colours of Christmas in mind, people were dressed in red, green and white.

The city redefined the spirit of the festival as people from different faiths came together to celebrate the festival and embraced the spirit of giving by exchanging gifts.

"The celebration in Bengaluru has a charm of its own. We visit each other's homes and share gifts as a part of the festival. Christmas is celebrated by one and all here. Almost every home will have a Christmas tree," said  Sunayani P Livingstone, a resident

Shivaji Lazarus, who runs Miracle Manna, a children's home, organised a special music and dance event as a part of the Christmas celebrations.

"Children define the spirit of giving. In spite of coming from difficult backgrounds, they are full of love and warmth. The children choreographed and performed various acts as part of the event and exchanged gifts," Lazarus said.

In order to ensure that the celebrations passed by without a hitch, the state government had  ensured the presence of police patrol vehicles until the early hours of Monday.