Anantapur: The Christmas was celebrated on Wednesday with religious fervour and gaiety across the region.
Special prayers were held in churches since midnight, carols, bursting of fire crackers marked the celebrations in Anantapur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts.
The priests prayed for peace and highlighted the message of Jesus birth. Men, women and children attended the midnight services in specially decorated churches.
Prayers in some churches began early on Wednesday. People cut the cakes as part of the celebrations and greeted each other on the occasion.
Australian devotees were the special attraction for the traditional celebration of Christmas at Prasanthini-layam in the district.
Celebrations were held at Mahasamadhi of Sri Satya Saibaba at Saikulwanth Hall in Prasanthinilayam. Following the day-break offering and after Rudram chanting, first to come was an offering by the Violin Band of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School that played some melodious Christmas tunes including ‘Love Is My Form.’
Serenading the Mighty Heavenly Father and His Chosen Son...singing greater glory, the Institute Music Band presented a 45 minute programme next, depicting the life of Jesus through songs and commentary, beginning with Glory To The Lord. Leaders of various political parties greeted the devotees at various churches in Anantapur, Kurnool and Kadapa districts.
Meanwhile, YSR Congress president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy along with his mother Y.S. Vijayalakshmi, wife Y.S. Bharathi, sister Sharmila and other family members joined in the prayers at CSI Church at Pulivendula Town in Kadapa district.
