Srinagar, Dec 25 : The festival of Christmas was celebrated with religious enthusiasm and gaiety in Kashmir valley amid bone-chilling and freezing cold temperatures on Wednesday.

The main function was held at Catholic Church at Maulana Azad road, Srinagar where a large number of members of the community including women and children visited to attend the mass prayers on the occasion despite freezing temperatures.

A festive look was given to the church decorated with colourful buntings, balloons and illuminated. A replica of the birthplace of Jesus Christ was also erected in the church garden where devotees lit candles to pay homage.

A mass prayer was also held in the church till midnight last night during which a good number of devotees participated amid freezing cold.

Reports of Christmas celebrations were also received from various parts of the valley including Baramulla, and Gulmarg.

UNI