Christmas was celebrated with traditional fervour across the Kashmir Valley on Thursday, as members of the Christian community offered special prayers at churches despite the biting cold.
The main Christmas celebrations were held at the Holy Family Catholic Church on Maulana Azad Road, where devotees gathered in large numbers for morning prayers.
The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, creating a festive atmosphere. A person dressed as Santa Claus added to the celebrations by distributing sweets among children.
Speaking to reporters, the priest of the Church, Father John Paul, said that special prayers were offered for peace in Kashmir and across the country.
“We also prayed for the creation of employment opportunities for educated youth in Kashmir so that they can support their families,” he said.
Similar prayer services were held at other churches in the Valley, including the All Saints Church at Sonwar and St Joseph’s Church in Baramulla.
According to Census 2011 data, the Christian population in the Kashmir Valley stands at 11,857.
