Yuletide spirit engulfed the city as scores of Delhiites thronged decked-up churches for prayers and mass; resonance of carols coupled with merriment ushering in Christmas.
The merriment started from midnight as bells tolled and worshippers thronged churches and cathedrals decorated with twinkling lights for the midnight service as priests dished out Christmas messages.
People, attired in their best, bonded in prayer and mirth as sparkling Christmas trees and colourful gift items adorned market places that were clad in a festive look. Even non-Christians were seen celebrating the festival as long queues were observed outside bakeries. People used WhatsApp, Facebook and other modern means of communications to send Christmas greetings to their families and loved ones. Shops and malls stocking Christmas merchandise were inundated with shoppers as exchange of greetings and gifts, community feasts and colourful processions marked the occasion.
A large number of revellers also reached prominent shopping centres like Connaught Place and tourist spots like India Gate to enjoy the festival with family and friends as it was a clear, bright Christmas day in Delhi. It was a cheerful morning with only a shallow fog cover, which cleared out in the later half of the day.
The minimum temperature in the national Capital was recorded at a drop of one notch from Tuesday at 7.5 degrees Celsius. The maximum on a windy day in the city was at 20.4 degrees C.