Christmas 2021: Here’s how the country celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ

Continuing with its decade-old tradition of keeping Christmas eco-friendly, the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Bengaluru has built a 25-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with recyclable materials such as cartons and newspapers. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

People offering prayers at Lucknow's Cathedral Church. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)

People light candles on Police Barricade outside Sacred Heart Cathedral Church as the church is closed for Christmas celebrations following rising cases of Omicron variant in New Delhi.(Express photo by Praveen Khanna)

People in front of the police barricade outside Sacred Heart Cathedral Church. (Express photo by Praveen Khanna)

In the oldest church in all of North India, the Old Mission Church in Kolkata, no prayers were offered last year. This year, there were 250 closing ceremonies. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Men dressed as Santa Claus are seen distributing face masks outside Jumma Masjid as a part of an awareness program in Ahmedabad. (Express photo by Nirmal Harindran)

Celebrations of Christmas Eve in St Mary's Basilica, Shivajinagar, Bengaluru. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

Customers seen buying Christmas decorations at Centre Street in Pune. (Express photo by Pavan Khengre)

A 54 feet long, illuminated Christmas tree is displayed at Park Street, Kolkata. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Men dressed as Santa Claus at Lodhi Garden are seen performing stunts. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)

Bishop Thomas Dabre gives a Christmas message in chilly weather outside St. Patrick Cathedral, Pune on Christmas eve. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)

Santa Claus toys for sale hang from a tree on Christmas eve. (Express photo by Praveen Khanna)

Outside St. Patrick Cathedral on Christmas eve. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)

Christmas decorations on sale at Centre Street in Pune. (Express photo by Pavan Khengre)

Celebrations of Christmas Eve in Bengaluru. (Express photo by Jithendra M)