Mumbai celebrates Christmas with enthusiasm
December 25th, 2010 - 11:24 pm ICT by IANSMumbai, Dec 25 (IANS) Despite the looming terror threat, Mumbaikars Saturday celebrated the birth of Christ with gaiety and enthusiasm. Several worshippers not only prayed at churches across the city, but also decorated their houses with cribs and Christmas lights and stars.
The Archbishop of Mumbai Cardinal Oswald Gracias conducted the midnight mass at the Holy Name Cathedral in Colaba in south Mumbai Friday.
Some churches started their mass as early as 8.30 p.m. Friday, and some took the liberty to start it after 10 p.m. in order to conduct the mass by midnight due to restriction on loud speakers.
The Christmas morning brought an unusual cheer and enthusiasm as the children woke up to lovely gifts, followed by the attending of the Christmas morning service.
Christians from all over Mumbai spent the day meeting friends and relatives and exchanging gifts and greetings. Families also arranged for special parties on the special day.
Cake shops in the city also came up with new concepts for cakes and chocolates to attract customers. Cakes featuring Christmas trees and Santa Claus were a major hit.
Malls in the city also arranged for special programs for the festival, and attracted children and adults alike. Special promotional offers and discounts were also offered.
Christian pockets of Colaba, Byculla, Mazgaon, Mahim, Bandra, Malvani, Orlem, Borivli and Bhayander had practically turned into decorated celebration centres. Families were seen greeting each other and exchanging goodies.
“We have made an eco-friendly crib only out of paper,” said Gerson D’Costa, a resident of suburban Borivli.
“Ours is locality where everyone comes together to celebrate all festivals. Interestingly, this idea was suggested by someone who is not a Christian,” D’Costa added with pride.
Several balls were also organised. Men were seen in their best suits, while women turned up in shimmering dresses and danced to the tunes of old and new songs, including carols.
“I am looking forward to dancing till late night today,” said Karen Fernandes from Bandra.
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Tags: bandra, birth of christ, borivli, cake shops, christmas lights, christmas morning, christmas trees, colaba, dec 25, exchanging gifts, gaiety, gerson, holy name cathedral, loud speakers, meeting friends, midnight mass, new songs, south mumbai, terror threat, worshippers