CHRISTMAS, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, was celebrated with much enthusiasm, festivity and religious fervour on Sunday. For the believers, it is an occasion to renew relationship between God and humans. According to Christian belief, Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ in the city of Bethlehem on this day. Marking the carnival, Christians were seen offering special prayers at churches all over the country. The prayer houses and adjoining areas were decked out with colourful tiny blinking lights. Illuminated Christmas trees were placed with a star standing right on top. Santa Claus handed out Christmas gifts to the children on the occasion. In Dhaka, the celebrations began with Christmas carol in hotel lobbies, restaurants, lounges and other public places. Houses of members of the community were also decorated with Christmas trees while reunion of family members and friends for exchanging greetings were another feature of the day.