Shillong shines in Christmas lights, bustles with tourists on Boxing Day

Shillong: Tourists from all over the country, especially neighbouring Assam and Bengal, added to the festive fare in the city of pines and orchids that was agog on Boxing Day. Visitors in this festive season can be seen all over the scenic hill state, including the enchanting Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills regions. The footfall is increasing each passing day as the New Year Eve draws closer. The day after Christmas, the Feast of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is better known as Boxing Day. Alms boxes are placed inside every church on Christmas Day where worshippers place gifts for the poor of the parish. These boxes are opened on Boxing Day.Churches of various denominations in the capital city and elsewhere in the state are organizing community feasts, which will continue up to the New Year’s Eve. “Christmas is a time for sharing and caring for each other and promoting love and peace among all, and it’s absolutely joyous to organize community feasts,” said a church elder.Popular as ‘Bam Khana Krismas’ in Khasi language, these are occasions of great rejoice, when people of all social standings share food cooked in a common kitchen. Dotted with churches and chapels, the ‘Scotland of the East’, as Shillong is also known as, is agog with festivities this time of the year with street corners, market places and households tastefully illuminated.All popular tourist destinations in and around the city are full of visitors. “We have come from Karnataka and are loving this wonderful place,” said a woman at the heritage Mawphlang Sacred Groves on the outskirts of the city.On the other hand, with educational institutions and government offices closed, Shillong is a city of leisure these wintry days with people basking in the sun sporting their woolen best.While government offices are scheduled to re-open in the first week of January, schools, colleges and other educational institutions would begin classes from mid-February.

Century-old churches in city light up for Christmas

As the world prepares for Christmas, churches in Ranchi are adorned with festive decorations. St. Marys Cathedral has draped its interiors in white and decorated the pulpit with colorful cloth rolls. Two cribs have been set up to depict the nativity scene. The cathedral grounds and trees are adorned with lights and festoons. St. Pauls Cathedral, undergoing construction, has opted for simple decorations this year to save resources. The Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church is beautifully lit with colorful lights and adorned with hanging stars and chandeliers.

City is basking in Christmas cheer with twinkling lights, festive glow

Nagpur buzzed with festive excitement as Christians and non-Christians eagerly celebrated Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. The week was filled with vibrant festivities: prayer services, carol singing, and Christmas Tree programs in churches. Youth participated in street celebrations. Groups serenaded homes with carols in various languages. The Christmas Tree program featured plays and dramas, and Santa Claus brought joy and gifts. Bakeries and restaurants offered traditional desserts. Nagpur exemplifies unity and celebration in diverse communities during the season of joy.

Citys heritage churches give a special feeling during Christmas

Mysuru's yuletide season brings celebrations for Christians in the city. Churches organize special events and prayers to commemorate the birth of Jesus. Among the oldest heritage structures are the St. Bartholomew Church, St. Philomenas Church, and Wesley Cathedral. These churches, along with others, stand as symbols of Mysuru's culture and tradition. The St. Bartholomew Church is being whitewashed for Christmas and will hold a Watch Night Service. The churches attract visitors throughout the year and should inspire restoration efforts for other heritage structures in Mysuru's old town.