Richie John Pais
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 24: The Mangalureans call Christmas Eve as Kuswar day. It is a day when Kuswar, the box of sweets is distributed to the dearest and nearest ones.
Christmas preparations are going on well in Mangaluru as in past years.
The shopping normally takes place days ahead of Christmas. Kuswar sales have been going on for the past two weeks. Last day is reserved only for meat and vegetables. But last minute people are always there in any society. Heavy rush is expected on the Christmas Eve day for Kuswar and meat shopping. Most of the shops in Mangaluru where the Christians buy Christmas related things are closed on Christmas day.
People who come to Mangaluru from around the world have already arrived except the people who plan to arrive on Christmas day itself because of holiday and transport issues. Most of them are from Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Kuswar prices have gone up by at least 15 % from last year while we are told that the inflation is at the lowest. It looks like only the price of Kuswar ingredients have gone up which the economists have forgotten to take into consideration.
Traditionally, kidyo, nivryo, gulio, chaklyo, thukdiyo, kokkis, banana chips, rice laddoos and cakes were part of the Kuswar. But of late with the influence of globalization, new items are added. One can add any savoury or sweets to the Kuswar basket now.
The midnight masses are not celebrated anywhere in the city. Mass timings on Christmas Eve are between 7 pm to 9 pm in most of the churches in Mangaluru. Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza will celebrate the Christmas mass with Fr J B Crasta and other co-celebrants at Rosario Cathedral at 8 pm.
There should not be any complaints on the weather part though it cannot be termed as pleasant. But the coastal region which witnessed unprecedented rains throughout November and early weeks of December has been seeing the brighter side of the sun. The maximum and minimum temperatures recorded this week have been between 32 and 21 degree centigrade, much above the lowest temperature of the year recorded in November. You may not feel like you are in a winter season like in past. But there is no need to carry umbrellas as no rains are expected this week. Probably that is why most churches have decided to hold open ground Masses.
Christmas celebrations in ashrams and old age homes by some associations have become very popular in Mangaluru these days.
Santa Claus has become a brand now during Christmas shopping and celebrations. Jesus is only remembered during the holy Mass and in cribs.
Mass at Rosario Cathedral will be webcast live on daijiworld.com from 7.30 pm.