Christmas was celebrated with traditional fervour in the Kashmir valley today.
The main Christmas celebrations in the summer capital were held at the Holy Family Catholic Church on the Maulana Azad Road where devotees offered prayers in the morning.
“We celebrate December 25 as the birthday of Jesus Christ and it is a moment of happiness. On this day, we give the message of peace of Jesus Christ and throw light on his teachings. We prayed for peace in the entire world,” Father Roy told reporters.
While a few members of the Muslim community too were seen at the church premises to extend Christmas greetings to Christians, a person dressed as Santa Claus was seen distributing sweets to children.
As the weather has mostly remained dry in Srinagar city so far this winter, a few devotees said they missed celebrating a white Christmas this year.
“Like before, we celebrated Kashmir with fervour. Christmas means love, peace and harmony. However, we missed Christmas without snow (in Srinagar),” said a female devotee.
Prayers were also held at other churches of the Valley, including the All Saints Church, Sonwar and Saint Joseph, Baramulla. As per the Census 2011 figures, the population of Christians in the Valley stood at 11,857.
