Overview
- Thousands attended midnight services at major Chennai churches including Santhome Basilica, St Thomas Mount and St Mary’s Co-Cathedral, with carols and bells marking the celebrations.
- Archbishop George Antonysamy led the Santhome mass and urged an end to war, religious discrimination and social exclusion, emphasizing compassion and service.
- Statewide security deployments and traffic diversions were in place near prominent venues, and officials said celebrations concluded peacefully.
- Chief Minister M. K. Stalin issued greetings highlighting the Christian community’s contributions and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to serve all communities.
- Velankanni drew heavy pilgrim footfall from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states, while parishes and NGOs organized community meals and charity drives across multiple cities.