Guwahati, Dec 24: The festive fervour of Christmas has enveloped the Northeastern region, with celebrations reaching a high point in the Christian-majority states of Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya.
Vibrant carol singing, special church services, community feasts and elaborately decorated streets and homes have created an atmosphere of joy, devotion and unity across the region.
Although Christmas will be formally celebrated on Thursday, festivities began earlier this week in almost all eight Northeastern states.
Churches, roads, public spaces and homes in towns and villages have been adorned with colourful lights and decorations to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the region, Christmas celebrations traditionally extend over several days, with community feasts organised on the second day of the festival.
Mizoram, known for its deeply rooted Christian faith and strong community spirit, witnessed particularly vibrant celebrations. Churches across the mountainous state were beautifully decorated, while Christmas carols echoed through villages, towns and offices.
Christmas trees and festive lighting transformed public and private spaces, making December a special and joyful month for the state.
Various church bodies, non-government organisations and individuals have come forward to help the poor and needy as part of the spirit of giving associated with Christmas.
The influential Young Mizo Association (YMA) played a key role in organising charitable activities across the state.
A major highlight in Mizoram was a Christmas Parade held on Tuesday from Chanmari to Lammual in Aizawl district.
The event was jointly organised by the Mizoram Tourism Department and a local organisation.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, along with his family members, led the parade from Zarkawt Junction, while Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and senior officials also participated.
During the parade, the Venghnuai Church Brass Band performed melodious Christmas music, while the Mizoram Cosplay Organisation drew attention with creative and colourful costumes.
Students from the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, under the Art and Culture Department, showcased traditional Mizo attire. The procession concluded at Lammual, where a Christmas Carol Concert and the closing ceremony of the Winter Festival 2025 were held.
In Nagaland and Meghalaya, churches, streets, homes and prominent installations were illuminated with decorative lights, reflecting the festive spirit.
Greeting the people of Nagaland, Acting Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said Christmas commemorates the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and reminds people of enduring values such as love, compassion, humility, forgiveness and service to humanity.
He called upon citizens to strengthen social cohesion and contribute to the state’s progress and prosperity. In Manipur, an inter-faith Advent Christmas celebration was organised at Diamond Jubilee Park in Imphal under the auspices of the Imphal Naga Forum (INF).
Leaders from Meitei, Thadou and Naga communities came together to offer prayers for peace, healing and stability in the state.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also extended Christmas greetings, expressing hope for unity, peace and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) noted that for the past two years, the Kuki-Zo community has been unable to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit due to prolonged ethnic conflict.
KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet said that while this year’s atmosphere is relatively more conducive, the community continues to face unresolved challenges and urged people to remain united and vigilant.
More than six million Christians live in Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya, with significant Christian populations also residing in Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, making Christmas one of the most widely celebrated festivals across the Northeastern region.
