Panaji, December 24: Goa police has tightened the security at religious places and around popular spots as visitors throng streets to celebrate Christmas in the coastal state.
Around 200 churches and chapels were all set to hold mid-night masses today to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in the state that has about 30 per cent Catholic population.
Religious centres would be under constant vigil with door frame metal detectors to screen the devotees, Goa police spokesman Atmaram Deshpande told reporters today.
Two companies of para-military forces are stationed in the state to oversee law and order situation, he said.
The state capital Panaji is decked up to celebrate Christmas with shops selling Christmas goodies.
“There is not much impact on sales although prices have gone up. Christmas season sounds good,” Kirit Maganlal, chairman, retail committee of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) told
–Agencies