Christmas was celebrated today in Kashmir with traditional enthusiasm and religious fervour with members of the small population of Christians in the valley thronging churches for Mass as special prayers were held for world peace.

The biggest Mass in the Valley was held at the Holy Family Catholic Church at Maulana Azad Road here, where hundreds of Christians, including women and children, assembled to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ and held special prayers.

The church was decorated with colourful buntings and balloons and it wore a festive look.

Among the believers were tourists from different parts of the country and world who joined the locals on the auspicious day and prayed for world peace and brotherhood.

Similar prayers were held at other churches including the Saint Joseph's Church in north Kashmir's Baramulla, the oldest Catholic Church in Jammu and Kashmir and at the Church in the tourist resort of Gulmarg..