New Delhi: Christians across the country celebrated Christmas with religious fervour and gaiety holding special prayers and exchanging gifts as a joyous mood pervaded the community on one of their most sacred festivals marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

The festivities began with the midnight mass and singing of carols in tastefully decorated churches as people of the community exchanged greetings and gifts on the occasion.

Churchyards and houses were decorated and illuminated with Christmas trees and cribs depicting the scene of Christ's birth in a manger in Bethlehem.

People in Northern India braved the biting cold and thronged churches for the prayers on Christmas Eve, while many a public gathering had the Santa distributing gifts to children as the Christmas Star shone brightly from houses of the devout.

In a unique effort to promote communal harmony, an all-religious function was held at the Bodhi temple in the capital, with leaders of various communities cutting the 'cake' (prasad) against the backdrop of an idol of the Buddha.

The Christian-dominated Meghalaya and Mizoram States wore a festive look with people holding special prayers at churches and thronging the markets for purchasing gifts and cakes as bakeries reported big business in the country.

As cardinals and bishops led the prayers underlining Christ's message of peace, several Christian organisations distributed sweets and food in orphanages and leprosy homes.