AGARTALA, Dec 25 (TIWN): Celebration of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ has begun in the State with pomp and gaiety by ringing of bells in churches.

Peoples who visited the churches and the members of the churches dressed in their best attire to match the occasion. Besides, children and youths were observed busy in buying gift for their special one.

It has been observed that greetings displaying ‘Merry Christmas’ were exchanged among the youths and the children.

The celebration has begun from the Christmas Eve with decoration everywhere. The carols sung by various groups provided musical backdrop to the celebrations.

The eve of the Christmas also witnessed Santa Claus moving around the cities and towns and distributing gifts as well as chocolates to kids.

Meanwhile, scenes and paintings of the birth of Lord Jesus were put up in the churches and homes. Besides, the houses and churches were decorated with bright and colourful lights.

Cake shops were witnessed preparing various decorative and colourful cakes to attract the children and consumers. Balloons, colourful ribbons were tied in the shops.

Besides, Santa Claus in front of the shops was distributing chocolate to the children.

Christmas celebrations have long begun on the night of the 24th, due in part to the Christian liturgical day starting at sunset, a practice inherited from Jewish tradition and based on the story of Creation in the Book of Genesis: "And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day."

Christmas Day is observed around the world, and Christmas Eve is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day.

Thousands gathered at churches and cathedrals to pay their respects and prayers, came early morning to visit the church.

However, residences were spotted enjoying the day with pomp and gaiety all across the state.