Malu Kerni
The City of Temples is in Christmas mood with preparation in full swing to celebrate the splendid festival. People in huge number are thronging markets for pre-Christmas shopping. Garment shops, flower shops, bakeries and special Christmas stalls set up in the city are overcrowded with shoppers these days.
Shining bells, mini disco balls, beautiful stars, triangles, candy bars and a variety of items are being picked up in bulk to deck up Christmas tree.
Ranging from Rs 80 to Rs 2,000 these decorative items are available in an array of colours, textures, shapes and sizes in market. Preparations are on in full swing in the city for the celebration of Christmas. Children are most excited and can be seen shopping Santa masks, dresses and other gift items to celebrate Christmas in their own style.
“I am going for a Christmas party and am preparing for the same. I have bought a Christmas tree and bells and lights to decorate it. Also, I have prepared the list of gifts I need from Santa. I have ordered a huge pineapple cake for the party and I am very excited,” said a six years old Shivya Verma.
Churches across the city are also being decked up for the festivity, while the main markets of the city are flooded with statues of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, stars, jingle bells, lights, various types of cakes and bakery items are also favourite with the people.
“Christmas trees are available in the market between 4 and 6 ft, ranging from Rs 1,000-10,000” said Gagan Sharma, a shopkeeper in Pacca Danga. There are coloured musical bells, different types of light balls, Santa caps, Santa mask, singing dolls and many other decorative items. This year the centre of attraction is the 6 ft singing Santa. All the items are available at affordable rates and there is excitement and happiness among the customers, added Gagan.
A large number of people can be seen purchasing items related to Christmas celebrations from the market. No doubt Christmas is the festival of Christian community, but today people of other religions also celebrate this festival which is a symbol of fraternity. People exchange gifts, share love, shower blessings and tighten the bond of relationships by forgetting old grudges and adopt renewed happy approach towards life.
