Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 25 (IANS): Christmas was celebrated with gaiety across Kerala Sunday, with churches crowded right from midnight on Christmas Eve.

Sudden rains caused heartburn to many who were getting ready to burst crackers overnight.

Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a downpour, which caught unawares many out on the streets to celebrate Christmas. It led to traffic snarls.

In Christian homes, a sumptuous breakfast is the trademark on Christmas day.

This includes the laced 'appam' mixed with fresh toddy and stew made mostly using chicken. A steamed banana, an egg curry, a piece of cake and a glass of wine complete the breakfast.

Hotels were geared for Christmas lunch and buffet dinners.

Bakeries did a roaring business as the practise of exchanging cakes cuts across communities.

Christians make up 22 percent of Kerala's 32 million population. They are concentrated in the central districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Thrissur.

Among Christians, Catholics are the dominant denomination, comprising 50 percent.