Telugu states celebrate Christmas under Covid shadow

Hyderabad, Dec 25 : Covid-19 pandemic cast its shadow on Christmas celebrations in the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Friday.
The usual pomp and gaiety was missing as churches saw limited gatherings for midnight mass and Friday morning special prayers. Several churches organised live streaming of mass and carols.
Churches in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad were tastefully decorated and illuminated on the occasion. Devotees were seen thronging the churches since Thursday night, wearing masks and maintaining social distance.
Churches in other towns of Telangana and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh also witnessed special prayers.
Special prayers in churches since midnight, carols, bursting of fire crackers were the highlights of celebrations.
The festivities began with midnight mass at many churches in Secunderabad, which has a sizeable population of Christians.