Chennai

Christmas was celebrated across Tamil Nadu on Thursday with devotion, lights, carols, and community events, as churches welcomed large congregations for midnight masses and prayers for peace and harmony.

In Chennai, thousands attended services at Santhome Basilica, St Thomas Mount Church, and St Mary’s Co-Cathedral. Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, Rev George Antonysamy, led the midnight mass at Santhome Cathedral Basilica, urging people to uphold Christ’s message through compassion, service, and social harmony.

Across the state, churches were adorned with lights, stars, and Nativity scenes, while parish youth and students organised carol performances and charity drives benefiting orphanages and old-age homes. Cities including Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Tirunelveli witnessed special prayers, community meals, and celebrations supporting the underprivileged. In Madurai, prayers focused on farmers affected by erratic weather, while Anglo-Indian communities in the Nilgiris held traditional family gatherings.

Markets and bakeries reported brisk sales of cakes, decorations, and festive goods, with Chennai bakeries in Vepery, Egmore, and Royapuram staying open late to meet demand. Hotels and restaurants hosted special Christmas buffets.

Chief Minister M K Stalin extended greetings, recognising the contributions of the Christian community to education, health, and social services. Governor R N Ravi also conveyed wishes, highlighting the festival’s message of selfless service. Several political leaders and celebrities, including actor Vijay, shared greetings via social media.

Elaborate security measures ensured peaceful celebrations at major churches, with traffic diversions near popular venues such as Santhome and Velankanni. Pilgrims flocked to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Nagapattinam for special masses and blessings.

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As the morning masses concluded, families gathered for festive lunches, while streets resonated with carols, greetings, and the aromas of freshly baked cakes, reflecting the true spirit of unity and goodwill.