Goa/New Delhi/ Kolkata/ Gulmarg, Dec 25: Special midnight mass, carol singing and enthusiasm marked Christmas celebration across India with participation of people from all communities.

In Goa, churches were elaborately lit as large number of people thronged churches to attend the midnight mass amidst festive gaiety.

People welcomed Christmas with carols and special prayers in New Delhi as hundreds of devotees thronged the Sacred Heart Cathedral to take part in the midnight mass and carolling.

"It is interesting to note that this is the only festival which is celebrated in the entire world. Special prayers are conducted at midnight. Carol singing takes place and message of peace and love is spread to the entire world, " said Father Dominique Emmanuel.

In Kolkata, scores of faithful thronged Missionaries of Charity to celebrate Christmas at Mother Teresa's home.

A special prayer was held at the home to pay respect to Christ and the Blessed Mother.

It was a white Christmas for people in Srinagar's famous hill resort Gulmarg with people braving snow and cold winds to offer Christmas prayers.

"I pray that peace prevails in Kashmir. I want to spread the message of peace and love in the world, " said Bashir Ahmed, a resident.

Christmas is also being celebrated in the northeast, where a large chunk of Christians reside. (ANI)