Stage is ready across Tripura for celebrating Christmas on December 25 in a grand style and with religious fervor.
After a two-years hiatus owing to Covid Pandemic, this year Christmas fervor has already gripped the State. Churches are beautifully illuminated and a jovial mood among the people is clearly visible. Youngsters are forming groups to venture out for a picnic or get together – no more in a confined place like 2020 and 2021.
In Agartala, makeshift shops on the pavement along the Akhaura Road and other thoroughfares are filled with crowds. While children and several youths were seen buying X-Mas trees, Bethlehem stars, caps etc and posing with Santa Clause. Foodies are also out and popular food joints witnessed good gatherings. Cake-pastry shop keepers also did a good business.
On the occasion of the Christmas, Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and Rajya Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb greeted people of the State.
The X-mas celebration will start with a special mid night prayer. Already the Durjoynagar Church, Bishop House and famous Santirbani Church at Mariyamnagar have been decorated with multi colour lights. A two-day fair will be an added attraction at the Mariyamnagar. The in-charge of the Church, Fr Tom greeted the people on the occasion.
Following the tradition, non-Christian people will also celebrate the X-Mas and Bethlehem Stars were found hanging in many households. People have started exchanging X-Mas greetings.
“During the last two years, Christmas celebration was subdued due to the Covid restrictions. Even as air is filled with reports of Covid outbreak in China and other countries, it is yet to hit our country. So, we will enjoy Christmas as much as we can – however, we will also wear a mask during the gatherings at public places”, said a Holycross College student.