As the countdown to Christmas begins, the festive cheer has taken over towns and villages across Nagaland. Churches are holding special prayer services, choirs are going around singing carols, and homes are illuminated with dazzling lights to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has extended warm Christmas greetings, highlighting the special significance of the festival in the state.
In his message, the Governor said Christmas reflects the values of love, compassion, humility, forgiveness and service to humanity, which have long guided the people of Nagaland in promoting harmony, resilience and mutual respect. Wishing peace, prosperity, good health and happiness for all households, Governor Bhalla expressed hope that the spirit of Christmas would fill the people’s hearts with hope and goodwill.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also extended greetings of a blessed Christmas to the people of the state. In a message on X, Mr Rio hoped the festival would fill hearts with peace and homes with joy, and prayed that the message of Jesus Christ would guide the lives and strengthen hope for everyone. In Nagaland, community gatherings, midnight services, and shared meals remain central to the celebration, as the state embraces the season with devotion, joy, and a sense of togetherness.
In Manipur, particularly in hill districts and Christian-dominated valley areas are in a festive mood for Christmas. People are still in the shopping mood, churches are decorated, and streets are lit. The special services are held as part of the advanced Christmas, and the sound of carol singing echo the villages.
Manipur has a major population of Christians and is preparing to celebrate the forthcoming Christmas in a grand way. Those who studied and worked in other parts of the country have returned to their family for the festival. Despite bone-chilling weather conditions, especially in the night and early morning, people gathered throughout the night praying and singing, marking the advent of Christmas and New Year’s.
Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, MLAs, political parties, civil society organisations, students’ bodies and other leaders extended warm wishes for Christmas to the people of Manipur.
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, today extended warm greetings to the people celebrating Christmas in Jammu and Kashmir and across the world. Describing Christmas as a festival symbolising peace, love and compassion, he said that the teachings of Jesus Christ continue to inspire humanity to uphold the values of kindness, forgiveness and harmony. He said, Christmas is a reaffirmation of our shared values of harmony and mutual respect, where people from all communities come together in a spirit of unity.
The Chief Minister highlighted the rich secular ethos and age-old tradition of brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir, and urged people to mark the occasion by extending support to the less privileged so that everyone can partake in the joy of the festival. He wished peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and prayed for a future marked by greater harmony and goodwill.
Goa has fully transformed into a festive landscape of faith, tradition, and culinary delight for Christmas 2025. Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, released his annual Christmas message, emphasising that the feast celebrates God’s enduring love for humanity. Highlighting themes of humility and fraternity, the Archbishop called on the faithful to become “instruments of transformation” and bring peace to a troubled world.
The air in Goan neighbourhoods is currently filled with the rich aroma of Kuswar, the collective term for traditional Christmas sweets. The state is glowing with elaborate decorations and unique community projects. In Ribandar, the cherished tradition of the grand crib at the Chapel premises continues to draw tourists from across the state. Initiated 35 years ago, Ribandar was among the first to feature large-scale, life-sized statues.
Massive crowds are expected at Midnight Mass, particularly at iconic landmarks like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji. With extra flights landing at Mopa and Dabolim airports and special trains arriving at Madgaon, Goa is set for a peak season of soulful, sunlit celebration.
