Christmas spirit fills homes in Meghalaya

Christmas celebration to mark the birth of Lord Jesus is already on in this Christian dominated state of Meghalaya as choir groups are busy rehearsing carols for the big day.
The entire city has transformed into a fairy land with spectacular illumination of light and festooned with red light atop of the houses to symbolises the arrival of the lord Jesus to the earth.
“This year, too, we will join our Christian brethrens to mark the arrival the messenger of peace and love”, Central Puja Committee President Naba Bhatacharjee said.
All communities irrespective of religious faith joined the Christian brethrens of this predominantly Christian state to celebrate Christmas with marked enthusiasm.
Christmas Carol across Meghalaya started for the last one week braving the chilled winter. All young and old joined the Santa Claus in Christmas carol.
“It’s an interesting place seeing children of different religious background chanting Christmas hymns,’’ Nandinee Banerjee, a tourist from Kolkata who is here to celebrate Christmas with her family, said.
In a significant show of unity, State Governor C.H. Vijayashankar held a pre-christmas celebration in Lok Bhavan with religious leaders from various faiths
“Meghalaya’s rich tradition of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity is a strength that must be preserved and passed on to future generations,” Vijayashankar emphasised.
The Governor appealed to every citizen, regardless of religious or cultural background, to stand united in upholding the principles of mutual respect, patriotism, and national integrity.
Vijayashankar urged all faith leaders to continue working together to promote harmony, address social challenges, and uphold ideals of unity, peace, and mutual respect.
Christmas trees and wreaths were decorated in almost every household as a part of the celebration of the world’s greatest day.
Special Christmas are being prepared in almost every household and bakeries to add embellishment to the festival. With the yuletide spirit high, all roads in Shillong from across the State, especially in the Khasi and Jaintia hills are leading towards Khyndai Lad (Police Bazaar) to Iewduh for Christmas shopping.
In fact, the Meghalaya police have even issued strict orders to its traffic personnel to tow away vehicles parked at unauthorised zones at Khyndai Lad to ease the traffic congestion.
From leading garment shops to cake shops and gift shops, people are seen thronging to get the best one for themselves and their loved ones.
The flow of shoppers has increased and we are open till very late. People buy gifts for friends and families as well as fashionable clothes,” said Nana Modrani an owner of Uncle Shop, one the oldest garment shop in Shillong.
Though inflation soaring high, consumers are making all sure to get the best they can.
“Everything is so expensive, but nonetheless I have to get something as this is only the season where I wanted to present special gifts to my parents,” Matthias Sohtun, who is busy looking for Christmas gift at gift shop, said.
However , Elias Kharkrang said, “It is the spirit of Christians to give the received gifts to others but for me personally Christmas is an occasion of re-union of the dear and near ones to share bliss and delight.
“Jesus Christ completely identified himself with the poor, deprived and the needy adding the need of the time is to revive that spirit even today,” Elias said.