Report and pics by Melisha Noronha
Daijiworld News Network - Bangalore (MB)
Bangalore, Dec 23: “City sidewalks, busy sided walks, dressed in holiday style.....in the air there’s a feeling of Christmas”.
What better way than this to explain the festive season in Bangalore! It is that time of the year when the city comes alive in shades of red and green. The spirit of Christmas here is not shared by Christians alone but by all who want to be part of it.
The main areas of the city are bustling with activity. Streets decorated with lights and flashy neon signboards are a common sight.
Commercial Street, one of Bangalore’s best shopping areas has all its stores decorated. Mannequins clad in red with Santa hats are found almost everywhere. Walk into any mall and what greets you is a splendid Christmas tree!
The Forum Shopping Complex at Koramangala is at its usual best. When it comes to decking up for any season, it always remains number one. With a tree of over 15 feet, it makes a great backdrop for a family photograph. Wreaths, creepers, candy sticks and bells can be found on every wall, railing and the ceiling.
Each mall wants to look its best. The Garuda Shopping Mall and Bangalore Central too are equally attractive. This season these hangouts are the best place for some great window-shopping. For those who want to indulge in some serious shopping, most reputed brands are out with their seasons’ sales that offer anything from shoes to bags to clothes for the enthusiastic shopper.
Brands like Levi’s, Louis Philippe and Scullers have great discounts this season. Face painting, live music, goodies, gift hampers are all part of the excitement stores have to offer.
Churches in Bangalore are definitely gearing up to a grand Christmas with massive cribs with life-size images. The youth and children seem to have camped in the church premises to be part of the making of the crib and the decoration of the tree. If you have a keen eye for creativity, the cribs at Infant Jesus Church and Dharmaram are definitely worth a visit.
Come evening and the sound of carols fills the air. Groups of people both young and old across the city set out each evening to spread the Christmas cheer through carols. Carol concerts are being held where almost anyone with an ear for music is present to partake of the celebration. The ‘Glorious’ Choir concert held recently was a great crowd-puller.
Back home, its celebration at its best! Houses boast of the best that the world of Christmas decorations have to offer. With international stores making their way into the Indian market, the best can be yours for a few extra bucks. All that one needs for a beautiful crib is available in the stalls put up in Shivajinagar. Rave’s is the shop to visit for the best decorations. A little expensive but worth the investment for Christmas joy. If these areas are not close to home, stalls are put up even on Avenue Road where things are available for a wholesale price.
‘Kuswar’ or the traditional home made sweets are available at most all super markets bringing in a new trend. Most families do not have the time or some just do not have the recipes.
Nilgiris, All Saints, Thom’s and Fathima Bakeries are the places you can pamper your taste buds this Christmas.
The last few days have seen a number of Christmas parties at different venues. Santa Claus and his helpers have made their presence felt in most of these parties with the loads of gifts they gave away too children. The Catholic Club Christmas party is one of the most awaited parties of the year with hundreds of people gathering to exchange gifts and have some great fun.
Apart from this, many hotels are offering Christmas carnivals and special buffets to make the season special. Most of these are planned for midnight onwards. The deadline of 11.30 pm still remains a debate.
As the city welcomes Christmas with arms wide open, we hope we do not forget the essence of the entire season. Christmas is a time of sharing and giving as much it is of receiving. It is a time to reach out to those who cannot afford even a square meal, leave alone a cake. It is a time to thank God for all his blessings on us. And it is time for us to be more responsible and sensitive and share the festive cheer with all those who cannot be part of it.
Merry Christmas!
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