Pune: With Christmas just around the corner, churches in the city are going all out for their grandest extravaganza of the year with streamers, stars and smiles everywhere.
The Christmas tree has been brought out and dolled up, and carol singing has begun in full swing to complement the festive spirit.
Many churches across the city are warming up the streets with events big and small.
Celebrations at St Patrick’s Cathedral near Bhairoba Nullah began early on December 17 with a two-day ‘christmas bazaar,’ where people gathered to display and sell various home-made goodies and sweets.
On Wednesday, carol signing and a live band performance spread smiles across faces.
The final decorations in the church and its surroundings would be done by Thursday, its officials said. A day later, sessions on confessions and another round of carol singing would take place. On December 24, carols would be followed by Christmas mass. The church will finish it off with the much-awaited Christmas dance on December 26, an event that is open for all, reported the Times of India.
“Besides the usual events, the Christmas week will see groups of people on behalf of the church going to old-age homes and children’s shelters to wish a merry Christmas to them and distribute sweets and chocolates,” said Father Wilfred from St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Poona Goan Institute, one of the oldest clubs in the city, began its celebrations on December 19 with a game of raffle. The club received a good response with around 200 people attending the event. A carol signing session and talent show for children were held on Tuesday, followed by the opening of a two-day Christmas exhibition and food festival on Wednesday.
“Until last year, only a food festival was organised, but this year we have expanded it to also include an exhibition. The event will showcase handicrafts, handbags and dresses along with Goan delicacies and sweets,” Charmaine Ann Lazarus, president of the Poona Goan Institute, said.
A Christmas tree party will be held on December 23 for children. A charity goodwill programme will be held on December 24, the proceeds of which will be donated to a home for aged and destitute children. The Christmas dance would be held on December 25.
Even malls around the city have dipped into the Christmas spirit and set up Xmas trees and decorations.
Phoenix Marketcity has planned to host many events, including performances from national and international artists.
A carnival will be held at Liberty Square, where actors portraying Santa Claus, dwarves, carnival dancers, drum players and trumpet players would perform till Christmas.