People welcome Christmas in Goa with midnight masses, night-long celebrations

Locals and tourists welcomed Christmas festival in Goa with prayers and midnight masses and held celebrations throughout night on beaches and or prominent places in coastal state.

festivities began at around 11 pm on Saturday in various churches and chapels and continued till early hours of Sunday.

At midnight, parishioners dressed in formal attire marked birth of Lord Jesus.

Goa has nearly 30 per cent Christian population. This is first Christmas celebration being held without any restrictions after COVID-19 pandemic.

At several places across state including households, scene of birth of Lord Jesus was depicted through beautiful and creatively me cribs and or decorations.

Wishing everyone on occasion, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant tweeted, “Christmas season is filled with warmth and joy. #MerryChristmas to all. May everyone's life be filled with peace, health and prosperity.” Outside churches and chapels, people held celebrations all night long on ros and beaches in state.

A large number of tourists from country and abro have flocked beach state for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

A senior police official said ditional security force was deployed at different spots in state to ensure smooth flow of traffic and to prevent any law and order problem.

re was report of any untoward incident, he said.

state police force was also gearing up to ensure smooth conduct of New Year celebrations, he ded.

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said a sizeable number of tourists have arrived in state for celebrations.

“I wish m a pleasant stay in our state. government has taken all steps to ensure y enjoy ir visit here,” he said.