Kohima/Aizawl, Dec 24 (NationPress) The Christmas spirit has enveloped the Northeastern region, especially in the Christian-majority states of Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. The air is filled with joyous carol singing, special church services, and streets and homes adorned with decorations, fostering an atmosphere of happiness and reverence.

All Northeastern states are prepared to celebrate Christmas on Thursday, with festivities having commenced on Tuesday. Each of the eight northeastern states, particularly the Christian-dominant regions of Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, are embracing the celebrations with enthusiasm, zeal, and traditional practices.

Churches, roads, and homes across towns and villages are festooned with decorations to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebrations extend over several days in the Northeast, marked by community feasts on the second day to underscore the occasion's importance.

In mountainous Mizoram, the Christmas celebration stands out for its vibrant blend of religious observance and cultural traditions. December is always a special month for the border state, with festive spirits reaching their peak as Christmas approaches. Churches are lavishly decorated, and carols resonate throughout the state. Towns, villages, and workplaces are adorned with Christmas trees, and the sounds of festive songs fill the air.

Various church organizations, NGOs, and influential groups like the Young Mizo Association (YMA) have rallied to provide gifts to the less fortunate.

A Christmas Parade took place on Tuesday, traversing from Chanmari to Lammual in the Aizawl district, organized in collaboration with the Mizoram Tourism Department and a local group. The parade was led by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and attended by Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and officials. The Venghnuai Church Brass Band provided musical entertainment, while the Mizoram Cosplay Organisation showcased colorful, imaginative costumes.

Students from the Institute of Music & Fine Arts under the Art & Culture Department displayed traditional Mizo attire. Participants and spectators gathered at Lammual for a Christmas Carol Concert and the closing event of the Winter Festival 2025.

Christmas represents the essence of 'giving' and promotes peace and unity. Nagaland and Meghalaya also see vibrant decorations with colorful lights embellishing churches, streets, homes, and trees.

Acting Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla extended greetings, emphasizing the significance of Christmas in the state. He stated that it reminds us of enduring values such as love, compassion, humility, and service to humanity—principles that have guided the people of Nagaland in fostering harmony, resilience, and mutual respect.

He urged everyone to collaborate in strengthening social cohesion, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing positively to Nagaland's progress.

In Manipur, an inter-faith Advent Christmas celebration was held at Diamond Jubilee Park in Imphal, organized by the Imphal Naga Forum (INF), where prayers for peace and stability were offered. The event united leaders from the Meitei, Thadou, and Naga communities.

The INF, a peace advocacy group, extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the peace-loving populace of Manipur.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla expressed hopes for peace, hope, and joy during this Christmas, encouraging unity and a collective commitment to a harmonious and prosperous Manipur.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, noted that for the past two years, the community has been deprived of celebrating Christmas due to ethnic conflict and its accompanying hardships.

“Our collective spirit faced unprecedented challenges during ethnic violence,” stated KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet. He encouraged families to embrace the true essence of Christmas this year, emphasizing love, warmth, and compassion.

“Yet, we must acknowledge the ongoing challenges. We are still at war. Justice for the Kuki-Zo people remains elusive, with no agreements reached regarding our political aspirations and the injustices we face,” he added.

He called upon every Kuki-Zo individual to stay vigilant, united, and steadfast.

Over six million Christians reside in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, with substantial populations in other Northeastern states such as Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.