The Christian community across coastal Karnataka celebrated Christmas with devotion, fervor, and joy on Tuesday night, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Churches throughout the district were beautifully adorned with illuminated decorations. Many homes and church premises featured attractive cribs (replicas of the nativity scene) and star-shaped lanterns. Special Christmas Eve prayers held at various churches witnessed a large turnout of faithful who participated in singing carols and honoring the birth of baby Jesus.

Prominent churches in the city, including Rosario Cathedral, Milagres, Urwa, Bejai, Bendorewell, Kulsekhar, Shaktinagar, Bikarnakatte, Kulur, Ashokanagar, Vamanjoor, Paldane, and Bondel, saw thousands of devotees attending midnight services. Rural churches in Puttur, Bantwal, Mudipu, and Permannur also hosted festive prayers and masses.

Special feast-day prayers and services are scheduled for Wednesday in various churches. Bishop of Mangaluru will deliver the Christmas message during a special mass at the Sisters’ Convent in Nanthoor.