Nagaland,Meghalaya, Mizoram are set to celebrate Christmas

The Christmas fever has  gripped Meghalaya as the state along with the entire world would celebrate Christmas. Midnight church service has been planned in different churches in the city while several areas of the city are illuminated on the eve of Christmas. Commercial hubs like Police Bazar and Iewduh in East Khasi Hills district are witnessing heavy rush from the people while cake shops in the city are also being thronged by people. The State Government has issued protocols for the revelers which needs to be followed during the celebration. In view of the Christmas and New Year festivals, night curfew has been lifted on 24th, 25th and 31st December 2021 by the District administration. As per the standard operating procedure issued by the Government, church services relating to Christmas or New Year including midnight services are permitted subject to compliance to the SOPs on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in places of worship. The Government has recommended staggered services at churches and has allowed outdoor services within the compound of the church provided the gathering does not exceed 75 percent of the capacity of the place of worship. Christmas Carolling and community feasting have been allowed subject to strict adherence to protocols. The SOP also said that churches will take measures to ensure staggered entry of persons coming to the feast.

In Mizoram, preparations are all set to celebrate Merry Christmas throughout the state on Saturday.  People celebrated Christmas-Eve to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ with religious fervour. Churches are adorned with illumination and beautiful decorations. Also, all city points are decorated with lighting and Christmas trees, stars and colourful motifs. In most churches congregational singing of carols has been prohibited due to the Covid restrictions.   Also, people have been asked to celebrate Christmas at home. In other parts of the state, a large number of people have gathered at churches to celebrate Christmas Eve.

In neighbouring Nagaland, people started thronging the churches to attend the special service since the morning. Community feasts were also arranged at certain places. Decorative lights, Christmas stars and trees could be seen outside the houses, while the colony junctions were also decorated, depicting the nativity scenes and cribs from the Bible, associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. Chief Minister T R Zeliang  wished the people on the occasion.