The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Christmas in Chennai, Singapore style

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 03, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Christmas in Chennai, Singapore style

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, DEC. 2. The atrium of the Ispahani Centre on Nungambakkam High Road will turn into a magical garden from December 4, coinciding with the festive season. A 15-foot silver Christmas tree and two ten-foot fern trees from Luxembourg will welcome visitors.

Stakeholders in the centre, led by the Singapore Tourism Board and non-government organisations — Concern India Foundation and the Christmas Fair Association — are organising a series of fun activities for children and adults in the afternoon. There will be carols by choirs from schools and churches, photo sessions and dances with Santa Claus. Funds from charity weekends will go to help the poor. Sale proceeds from cards, gift items and handicrafts will also go to charity work. Visitors can participate in a lucky draw by tying a star and making a wish. The winner will be chosen through the lucky draw on December 31. The prizes are a trip for two to Singapore. There will be magic shows, games, `bioscope experience' and a performance by Henna Martin and group. Bridget Goh, area director of Singapore Tourism Board, Southern and Eastern India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, said: "I have seen Christmas in Singapore for 21 years. The concept is to recreate the same mood and atmosphere of Christmas like in Singapore." For food lovers, there will be cakes, puddings, marzipan, cookies and chocolates. Other shops at the centre also have exclusive promotions.

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