KOHIMA, Dec 24 � Festive spirit has gripped the hills and valleys of Nagaland with people eagerly waiting for the stroke of midnight when church bells will ring out signalling the birth of Jesus Christ, reports PTI.
Churches, private and government buildings, markets and homes have been decked up and illuminated in Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung towns.
Shoppers have been thronging markets for the last few days, while students pursuing academic careers in other States have returned home for the festivities.
The government has announced holidays since Saturday and offices will re-open on January 2.
Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio have wished the people on the occasion.
In a message, the Governor said that Christmas is a time to �sink our differences, shun all forms of violence and come together to promote peace and harmony in the State�.
Asking people to remember the true essence of Christmas in the spirit of love, forgiveness, brotherhood, sacrifice and peace, the Chief Minister said, �Let us all hope and pray that true peace and lasting tranquility will pervade our land in the years ahead.�
Greetings: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General (Retd) JJ Singh has extended warm greetings to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Christmas and prayed for the emotional integrity and mutual understanding amongst the people in the society, a Press release said.
The Governor wished that this Christmas brings the choicest of blessings and a spirit of prosperity, peace and happiness to the State, the release added.
