The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : City comes alive with Christmas

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

City comes alive with Christmas

Abhijit Dev Kumar

It’s the time when people love to spend with family and friends

— Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

Celebration time: Fun and frolic filled the air with children dressed as Santa Claus on Christmas Carnival at Prasad’s Multiplex on Tuesday.

Hyderabad: Warmth, cheer and festivities spread across the twin cities as church bells rang at midnight wishing everybody a Merry Christmas.

The city came alive and people were seen in a festive mood, spreading the Christmas spirit with fervour. Stars lit up at every church, songs of the choir filled the winter air.

Beautifully decorated cribs at homes, and who can forget the symbol of Christmas - the Christmas tree with a Christmas star on the top.

“It’s time people love to spend with family and friends, sharing and spreading joy,” says Abhishek Denzil, a team leader at a call centre.

“Everybody looks forward to Christmas as it involves many traditions-the crib, Christmas tree and the gifts underneath it, meeting friends and delicious food, especially wine and cake” he adds.

Nevertheless, it is also a time for giving-clothes and food were distributed to slum-dwellers in several areas of twin cities.

“The celebrations were very good and a large number of people attended the gathering. As part of the celebrations, clothes were distributed to slum-dwellers,” said Father Bhasker from St. Anthony’s Church, Sappersline, Tarbund.

“There were over 2,000 people who attended the midnight mass and the choir was at its best,” remarked Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church, Father Charles Kandula.

As part of the festivities of Sacred Heart Church, a ball room dance was organised from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

People from neighbouring districts and States came to participate in the ball room dance that is being organised for the past 28 years. “We have two bands playing at the dance. People get together, socialize and they come from all corners of the state,” says Father Charles.

Amidst the celebrations and Santa Clause leaving presents for children at the Christmas tree, there were children seen at traffic signals selling red and white hats - a very disheartening sight.

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