Patna, Dec 25 (UNI) Church bells ringing in a majestic tone reverberating in high-rise buildings in cities and hillocks in the countryside, special mass and carols at midnight declared once again the advent of Jesus Christ to emancipate the human beings from the clutches of darkness, ignorance and patricides.

Notwithstanding less than one per cent Christian population in Patna, the festival, celebrated almost universally, assumed a cosmopolitan flavour with participation of people from all faiths in the celebration of ''Merry Christmas''.

Carol groups revelling the streets dotted with 'Santa Claus,' christmas trees and illuminated church buildings since Saturday evening, preluded the actual celebrations. Shopping arcades and markets recorded brisk sale during pre-christmas period.

Confectioners had a brisk business when buyers thronged their stalls to procure christmas cakes oozing inviting smell. Very often non-christians outsmarted the believers in chistianty in respect of decoration of commercial places and presentation of imposing garments to mark the celebrations.

Bihar did not lag behind from the other parts of the country in fulfilling all spiritual obligations and churches of all disciplines were crowded when special prayers were organised today morning.

Exchange of greetings, wishing happy and prosperous lives to each other and sharing delicacies including cakes with friends, relatives and neighbours marked the occasion.

UNI BNG BA BDP DB1319