Kohima/Aizawl, Dec 25 (NationPress) The festival of Christmas was observed with traditional zeal, enthusiasm, and profound religious devotion throughout the Northeastern states on Thursday. This was particularly evident in the Christian-majority states of Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, where prayers for peace and prosperity were offered in numerous churches across the region.

To honor the birth of Jesus Christ, various denominations conducted special prayers and services across their churches.

In the days leading up to Christmas, churches, government, private buildings, homes, shops, parks, graveyards, and streets were adorned with vibrant lights, flowers, and Christian motifs.

Governors and Chief Ministers from all the Northeastern states extended their greetings to the populace during this festive period. Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and other Northeastern states were transformed as Christmas masses took place, with thousands of buildings illuminated beautifully since Monday.

On the second day, traditional community feasts are organized to emphasize the occasion's significance. Leaders and members from diverse political parties, along with individuals from various backgrounds, come together to enjoy the celebrations and partake in numerous events.

Celebrations also took place in Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, with participation from non-Christians and individuals from other faiths of all ages and backgrounds.

Children and youth from local churches showcased group songs and special Christmas performances, spreading messages of love, peace, and joy. In Mizoram, traditional congregational singing services, known as ‘Zaikhawm’, were also held following church services. Christmas celebrations commenced on the evening of Wednesday, termed ‘Urlawk zan’, with devotion services, dedication programs, and congregational singing organized by churches.

The Roman Catholic Church hosted midnight mass on Christmas Eve. In Mizoram, most churches observe Christmas over two days, with celebrations occasionally extending up to a week, depending on local customs.

The customary high tea, recognized as ‘Thingpui ruai’, was served on Thursday, while community feasts—integral to Christmas celebrations—will be arranged on Friday by most churches, including Mizoram Presbyterian Church and the Baptist Church. Some indigenous churches started these community feasts on Thursday.

Mizoram celebrated the centenary of Christianity's arrival in 1994. This mountainous state observes Christmas by combining religious devotion with traditional practices. Despite influences from Western-style celebrations, the Mizo people, who predominantly inhabit the state, have preserved their customs rooted in historical traditions.

However, some Christian denominations, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church, do not observe Christmas. Mizoram's Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) attended the Christmas service at the Central Church of the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) in Aizawl on Thursday.

While extending Christmas greetings to the people of Mizoram, the Governor highlighted that Christmas symbolizes a humble life and brings light to the world, fostering hope among humanity. He emphasized the importance of actions over mere words, stating that the festival serves as an opportunity to showcase love through deeds.

The Governor also noted that Christmas perpetually promotes peace and harmony, wishing the people of Mizoram a hopeful, loving, and faith-driven New Year.

This year’s Christmas celebrations included a joyful Christmas Carol Service held on the evening of December 19 at Lok Bhavan, organized in collaboration with the Aizawl West-I Area Masihi Sangati. Besides extending formal Christmas and New Year greetings to the people of Mizoram, Lok Bhavan opened its doors to the public on December 24, 25, and 26, and again on January 1, 2, and 3 as part of the New Year festivities.

The border state of Mizoram is renowned for its vibrant Christmas, embodying a unique blend of religious devotion and traditional fervor. December is always a significant month in the border state due to Christmas.

Various church bodies, non-government organizations, including the influential apex civil society organization Young Mizo Association (YMA), and individuals have donated gifts to the less fortunate.

State governments in three Christian-dominated states—Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya—have declared multiple holidays to allow citizens to engage in the festivities. Nagaland is embracing the occasion with a harmonious blend of religious reverence and festive spirit.

Towns and villages are illuminated with decorative lighting, and homes are adorned with Christmas decor as people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many churches conducted midnight masses on Christmas Eve, which set a joyful tone for the occasion. The sound of bells and carols echoed praises to Lord Jesus as worshippers gathered in solemn reverence.

People dressed in their finest attire flocked to churches of various denominations for community worship and hymn singing on Thursday morning, while sumptuous feasts were prepared to celebrate the Naga spirit during traditional community gatherings.

Exchange of greetings, gifts, and visits to friends and loved ones marked the celebrations, with some individuals expressing goodwill by visiting homes of the underprivileged.

Churches were elaborately decorated, while villages, towns, and offices were adorned with Christmas trees, and carols resonated in every corner of the state. Christmas symbolizes 'giving' and nurtures the spirit of peace and unity.

In greeting the people, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated on his X handle: “May this Christmas fill our hearts with peace and our homes with joy. May the message of Jesus Christ guide our lives and strengthen our hope. Wishing everyone a Merry and Blessed Christmas.”

In Meghalaya, churches, important installations, streets, homes, towns, and even trees were adorned with colorful lights and decorations. The hill state attracts numerous tourists every year, with many visitors booking hotel rooms months in advance. The picturesque beauty of the state, combined with its festive decorations, adds a unique charm seldom seen elsewhere.

Hotel accommodations in and around Shillong, including popular areas like Police Bazaar, Laitumkhrah, and Upper Shillong, have been fully booked for weeks. Homestays and guesthouses in places like Mawphlang, Sohra, and Umiam are also experiencing brisk business during the occasion.

In Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community, expressed that for the past two years, the Kuki-Zo people have been deprived of the joy and peace of celebrating Christmas genuinely due to prolonged ethnic conflict and the suffering it has caused.

“During the ethnic violence, homes were destroyed, families displaced, lives lost, and our collective spirit was tested in unimaginable ways,” stated KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet. He remarked that this year, as the atmosphere seems more favorable, he encourages people to cherish this Christmas surrounded by loved ones, sharing love, warmth, and compassion—the very essence of Christmas.

“However, even as we celebrate, we must not forget the harsh realities we continue to face. We are still in a state of conflict. Justice has not yet been served to the Kuki-Zo people. No agreement or understanding has been reached to address our rightful political aspirations and the injustices inflicted upon us. The struggle is far from over,” the KZC leader emphasized.

He urged every Kuki-Zo individual to remain vigilant, steadfast, and united. Over six million Christians reside in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, with a significant number also living in other Northeastern states such as Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.

The Assam Rifles also celebrated Christmas with locals in Agartala and Radhanagar in Tripura, Lokra in Assam, and Kaimai, Borobekera, and Jiribam in Manipur, maintaining their deep-rooted relationships with the local communities and commitment to fostering peace, goodwill, and communal harmony in the region.

A defense spokesman reported that personnel from the Assam Rifles actively participated in the celebrations by extending greetings, prayers, and carol singing. They also distributed cakes and gifts, sharing the spirit of love, compassion, and togetherness that epitomizes the Christmas festival.

Residents expressed their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Assam Rifles for joining them in the celebrations, regarding the gesture as a symbol of unity and friendship beyond duty.