Thaindian News

Panaji, Dec 24 (IANS) Amid a security alert in view of a possible sea-borne militant intrusion, Goa will usher in Christmas with midnight masses lined up in all the main churches across the state. Midnight masses, which are followed by traditional balls and dances, celebrate the birth of infant Jesus Christ and are attended by the faithful in the state, which has a 26 percent Christian population.

Goa’s coastline metamorphoses into a hub of entertainment season at this time every year with the period ranging from Christmas to New year, when it experiences a peak in festive activity.

This year several celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neha Dhupia and Arjun Ramphal, are expected to be participating in the Dec 27-29 ‘Sunburn Goa’ electronic music festival.

Former Jammu Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah and the Governor of Orissa Murlidhar Bhandare will also be holidaying in Goa during the festive week. Both, however will not be ushering in the New Year in the sunny state.

Earlier in the day, a senior police official said that security agencies will be maintaining a tight vigil in view of a general west coast alert about a possible intrusion from the sea by terror elements.

“We have been informed that there is a possibility of an intrusion from the coastal side. It can be anywhere on the western coast, where we are located,” Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) Atmaram Deshpande said.

“We have intensified our marine and regular patrolling. Our police reserves forces have been kept on alert,” Deshpande further said.

In a message to the people, Home Minister Ravi Naik said: “Lord Christ’s message of brotherhood, compassion and forgiveness is universal and has timeless relevance.”