India, Dec. 29 -- Christmas, which saw a blend of religious and historic Mizo traditional celebrations in Mizoram this year, has drawn more tourists from across the country and abroad, who joined locals for traditional community feasts at different local churches in Aizawl, a minister said.

The tourist footfall during this year-end festivities has surged more than ever before, most apparently due to the new railway link, which made travel more affordable, and several tourism promotional initiatives collectively undertaken by the government and the people, state tourism minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said.

He said that, unlike before, more foreign and domestic tourists were seen participating in several church services, zaikhawm (congregati...