Preparations for Christmas celebrations are in full swing in Raipur city. The Christian community has started decorating and illuminating their homes to celebrate Christmas on December 25. St Paul’s Church, St Joseph’s Cathedral Byron Bazar Raipur and other churches in the state capital are being decorated and illuminated ahead of Christmas. Varieties of cakes like plum cake, rum cake and icing fresh cream cake are being sold in local markets of Raipur city. Speaking to The Hitavada, Vivek Pradhanani, the owner of A-1 Bakery Malviya Road, said that there were varieties of cakes available in the local market according to the taste of costumers.

 

Demand for plum cake is more than other cakes on the occasion of Christmas. Besides plum cakes, various Christmas theme based items like rum cake, marzipan cake, fruit cake, fudge, brownies, doughnuts, chocolates and others are also available in the local markets. Plum cake is the traditional cake for Christmas and is always in demand. Pradhanani said that the customers can buy a cake costing Rs 150 per slice to Rs 2000 at his store. Cookies in different shapes like socks, stars, bell, Santa Claus and others are also available in the local markets. A wide variety of pastries specially meant for Christmas are also available for sale in the market.

 

Speaking to The Hitavada, Public Relation Officer of Diocese of Raipur Sebastian Poomattam said that Christmas is celebrated on the day Jesus Christ was born. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God the Son. Jesus Christ came to the world to save humanity and bring peace in the world. He was not understood by his own people so they crucified him. But from his side, he welcomed the crucifixion and died for humanity. The crib is exhibited in the church and outside of the church depicting Jesus Christ’s birth. Then people wish everyone happy Christmas. Cakes are distributed to show our joy and happiness on the day because Jesus Christ is our savior, he added.

 

Christmas will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Byron Bazar Raipur. The programme will start at St. Josepha’s Cathedral Byron Bazar at 10.30 pm on December 24. The programme will be officiated by Archbishop Most Victor Henry Thakur at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Mass prayers will also be held in the churches of the state capital. The Christmas will be marked with lights, music, songs, colour and a festive mood. It will bring glowing happiness on the faces as people will come together, feast, pray, wish each other well and enjoy moments that will be sacred and blessed. The main ritual of Christmas celebrations is the Christmas tree decoration to welcome the arrival of Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas.

 

The tree is usually decked with different ornaments including small bells painted in gold or silver, baubles, stars of different shapes and sizes, pine cones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons made from glass, metal, wood and ceramic.

 

 

 

With Christmas festival approaching near, the city markets are flooded with dazzling decorative items to mark the occasion. City residents seems to be are all set to celebrate the festival of joy and happiness, Christmas. Shops have been tastefully displayed with Santa Claus and Christmas trees, which immediately catch the attention of people. Meanwhile, city schools, colleges and clubs in the city have already started organising various programmes to enjoy the festival, which signifies togetherness, love, faith and, above all, caring for fellow human-beings. Though, the festivity has already made entry in Twin City, especially in the homes of Christians and convents with Christmas carols. Members from Christian community are engaged in buying items like Christmas trees, decorative hangings, artificial snow, Santa Claus, Santa caps and dress, tinkling bells, Jesus Christ’s cradles etc, which is being displayed all around in the markets. Also dry fruits comprising raisins, ginger, cashews and almonds are in demand, especially by the hotels and bakers, to make a variety of cakes and Christmas candles.

 

Moreover, several people have also begun purchasing gifts for their near and dear once and also to decorate home, schools and classrooms. During the month of December, Christians pray for their friends. Children seem to be making them ready to receive gifts from Santa Claus. A shopkeeper from Zonal Market, Sector-10, Pankaj Jain has informed that demand for decorative items have gone high to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm and traditional values.