Bhubaneswar, Dec. 25: The festive mood was at its peak as people gathered in churches in and around the twin cities and held special prayers to mark Christmas.

A few youngsters in Bhubaneswar dressed themselves as Santa Claus and visited orphanages and special schools in the city and distributed gifts among underprivileged kids.

Two popular churches in Bhubaneswar - St Vincent's Catholic Church at Janpath and Church of Christ (Union Church) at Satya Nagar - held Midnight Mass.

Bible reading sessions, singing of carols and prayers were held both in English and Odia.

All the 14 churches in Cuttack were decked up with lights, balloons, trees and models of Santa Claus. Over 20,000 people from the Christian community took part in the prayers to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

"Three of my friends and I collected money from our acquaintances and bought utility items for the kids. We also conducted interactive games to make their Christmas special," said Soumyaranjan Biswal, a photographer.

It was boon time for the various bakeries across the city where people queued up in large numbers to buy cakes and pastries.