GUWAHATI: The Northeast region is dipped in Yuletide spirit as people celebrate Christmas. From Shillong to Kohima, there is a festive buzz in every nook and corner of Northeast as people celebrate the occasion.
Christmas fever has gripped Meghalaya’s capital Shillong. Churches are well-decorated and there is still rush in the markets as people make last-minute Christmas purchases.
“Christmas this time with the pandemic around is a little different in the sense, you don’t see the crowds as before. But we are able to conduct our church services. We are following all the rules and regulations according to the SOPs, including wearing of masks, thermal scanners, following social distancing, and not crowding areas,” said Father Jobey Joseph of Saint Anthony’s College on Thursday night.
The spirit of Christmas and enthusiasm continues to remain the same in Nagaland amidst the pandemic. While 2020 Christmas celebrations are not going to be the same as many of the churches will be conducting the Christmas services virtually however, in the rural areas many churches are expected to conduct their regular church services.
“Life seems to be distant and disoriented. We are in a very difficult and challenging situation. But we are witnessing very encouraging things around. People are celebrating Christmas and New Year with much consciousness. We are adapting to a life that is difficult but we are doing well. We are not encouraging churches to hold regular services. Following the SOP rules, we have set 30% of the seating capacity. Wearing of masks, sanitization is being maintained, overall, people are following discipline,” said an official.
Christmas celebrations in Guwahati
The city is decked up with twinkling lights and decorations adorning its buildings and streets. Moreover, shops selling Santa Claus masks, Santa hats, small Santa figurines, Christmas trees, different stars, Santa costumes have sprung up in several parts of the city. People are also thronging the churches where certain SOPs have been put in place in view of the COVID pandemic.
In Manipur’s capital city Imphal, Christmas celebrations took place with COVID restrictions in view of the pandemic.
“I wish a happy and merry Christmas to all. Let the day bring peace and harmony amongst the people of the state. May God protect us all from the dreaded COVID virus,” said Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
The Yuletide spirit is also felt in Mizoram as the state joins the rest of the region preparing for the festival.
