Southern districts of Tamil Nadu come alive with Christmas fete

Christmas spirit swept through the southern districts of Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi, with special midnight masses organised in churches. Coastal villages came alive with festive decorations featuring themed cribs, lights, decorations, musical events, and community celebrations.

In Kanniyakumari district, midnight masses were held at catholic churches, drawing thousands of devotees. Rev. Nazarene Soosai led a special midnight mass at St. Xavier’s Cathedral in Kottar. Similar services were also organised at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Nagercoil, St. Antony’s Church in Kuzhithurai, Our Lady of Ransom in Kanniyakumari, and other churches across the district.

The churches throughout the district were illuminated with vibrant, colourful lights, reflecting the festive spirit. After the midnight masses, a large number of people thronged different places in the district, engaging in church hopping to witness beautifully decorated cribs and lighting displays. Prominent CSI churches that attracted visitors included CSI Home Church in Nagercoil, CSI District Church Marthandam, with other CSI congregations across the district.

In Thoothukudi district, Rev. Stephen Antony led a special mass service at Sacred Hearts Cathedral, where a large number of devotees gathered to pray and exchange Christmas greetings. A grand midnight mass was also conducted at Our Lady of Snows Basilica. Special holy masses and prayers were also held at St. Antony’s Church on VE Road, Our Lady of Good Health Church at State Bank Colony, as well as at churches in Manappad, Alanthalai, Amali Nagar, and Puliyampatti. CSI diocesan churches across the district also hosted special Christmas prayers.

In view of the Christmas and New year celebrations, homes, churches, business establishments, fishing boats, and shopping centres across Thoothukudi district were decorated beautifully with Christmas lights. In Tirunelveli district, midnight mass was conducted at St. Xavier’s Cathedral in Palayamkottai, along other churches across the district.

Over 800 police personnel were deployed across Tirunelveli district to ensure the safety of the public and to prevent any untoward incidents.

In Tenkasi district, churches held midnight masses and Christmas special prayers, attended by hundreds of devotees. Similar celebrations were witnessed in churches across Tamil Nadu.