Prime Minister, President wish Christmas; No violence in Orissa

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil joined dozen other patronages in wishing a "Merry Christmas" to Christians in India.

"On the joyous occasion of Christmas, let us recall the teachings of Jesus Christ and pledge to dedicate ourselves to spread his universal message of love and compassion," Patil urged in her message.

She further asked to ensure that "people from the disadvantaged sections of the society are also able to participate in this celebration, which is indeed the spirit of Christmas."

Manmohan Singh on Christmas said, the event is the celebration of Jesus birth and hence is an occasion for hope and happiness.

He urged people to inculcate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ for the welfare of humankind, the needy and the underprivileged.

Meanwhile, thousands in Orissa attended midnight Christmas Eve mass as well as morning church services peacefully. So far no reports of violence have been reported.

"We have not received information of any trouble. It seems to be all peaceful," the Archbishop of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar Raphael Cheenath told IANS.

"We held the Christmas mass with prayer and singing," Cheenath said, adding that he is satisfied with the security arrangements made by the government.

"We are confident the Christmas celebrations will also pass off peacefully in the state," Cheenath said.