Visakhapatnam :
The lit-up churches, shopping complexes and buildings with stars dangling from them, the aroma of freshly-baked cakes and plum pudding, melody of carols from churches signal that Christmas is here. After all the Samaikyandhra agitation, state bifurcation and Cyclone Hudhud havoc in 2014, finally the year is ending on a cheerful note.
On X-Mas eve, the city was abuzz with last minute shoppers, purchasing gifts, paper stars, lights and Christmas trees from various shops and roadside makeshift stalls put up at every nook and corner. The bakeries in the city were packed to their capacity with people queuing up to purchase cakes and cookies since evening.
Christmas celebrations are no longer confined to only the Christian community, but has taken a universal note with people from all religions participating in X-Mas tree decorations, buying cakes and going for the midnight mass and church service.
S. Srinivas, selling Christmas decor and stars in front of St Anthony’s Church, said, “Our customers belong to all religions and are mostly children and youngsters. The festival has a universal appeal.”
S Prasad from Baker’s Castle informed that the demand for cakes go up so high that they would be selling only cakes and chocolates for December 24 and 25. “We don’t have the time to prepare our regular snacks items but going by the demand would only be selling cakes. The plum cakes, especially the Christmas tree-shaped ones are in great demand. Christmas and cakes have become synonymous for public.”
Among the gift items musical Santa caps are a hit this year. Apart from this, customers are buying regular paper stars, LED lights for Christmas trees and silver bells. “I would love to sport this Santa cap at the Christmas party that we friends would be celebrating tonight at a hotel. It’s something new this year,” said Prateek M, a commerce student.
Various city schools such as Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan, V T High School, Ravindrabharathi and Pollock’s High School also observed X-Mas in their schools by hosting Nativity plays, Christmas tree decorations, singing carols and so on. Also participating in the festive fervour, even YSR Steel Employees Congress Union celebrated Christmas at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Wednesday. As part of the celebrations the message of peace and prosperity was conveyed to the employees of the plant.
On Christmas, the city is all set to ring in the Christ’s arrival with prayers, hymns, church service and Christmas balls in the evening by the members of Christian and Anglo Indian community.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / December 25th, 2014