Guwahati: Amidst the unrest and the entire COVID-19 crisis around the globe, Guwahati is gearing up for Christmas celebrations.
Christmas festival is just around the corner and preparations are in full swing as the city is blooming with lights and decorations.
Churches in Guwahati have made elaborate plans to celebrate the festival following all the COVID-19 protocols.
People and traders dealing in Christmas items are now getting ready to embrace the celebrations.
Popular shopping stops such as Fancy Bazar, Silpukhuri, Ganeshguri, Zoo Tiniali etc. are doing their best to ensure maximum footfall. Special shops selling Santa Claus masks, Santa hats, small Santa figurines, Christmas trees, stars of different sizes, Santa costumes, etc have sprung up in these areas. Christmas trees are available in a range from ₹40 to ₹4000, while Santa Claus dolls are priced from ₹10 to ₹6000.
“Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis, we are having a little difficulty in selling our products. The footfall has been low compared to the previous years. We hope things will change in the coming days,” said a shopkeeper from Silpukhuri.
City folks are also busy scrambling for their last-minute shopping.
“There is a steady demand for the traditional plum cake, we are trying to attract more sales by producing some good, designer cakes with Christmas-specific icings,” said a bakery owner in Ganeshguri.
Churches, Missionary schools, Christian religious centres, Shopping Malls, Restaurants in Guwahati are being decorated with colourful lights, stars, bells to celebrate Christmas.
Though Christmas is celebrated mainly by the Christian community, the entire city joins in the revelry nevertheless. Pre-Christmas events like carol singing, cake festivals and cultural programmes and carnivals are being planned throughout Guwahati.
