Delhi all decked up on Christmas Eve

NEW DELHI - A 30-foot-tall bedecked Christmas tree in a South Delhi mall, decorated churches and shops overflowing with Christmas goodies all over - the national capital was all set to celebrate.

A walk around any market in the city Thursday revealed the festive spirit in the air.

Ashok Lal, who owns a stationary shop in Central Delhi’s Karol Bagh area, said: “Mine is a stationary shop. However, around this time of the year, I also have a stock of decorations like streamers, balloons and bells because they are most in demand.”

“People are in a celebratory mood and are ready to splurge on decorations. Last year, the mood was much more sombre because of the Mumbai terror attacks and also recession. But things have become normal now,” Lal told IANS.

Ragini Sharma, a student agreed. “Just a walk around the neighbourhood market where all kinds of decorations like stars, the Christmas tree and other things are sold in every nook and corner, lifts up your spirits. The festive mood is definitely contagious!”

Sharma plans to attend the midnight mass at a church in north Delhi with some of her friends.

“I love winters and I especially love this time of the year. Last night when I was driving back home, it was foggy but the silhouette of a tiny church that was lit up with lights, shone through. It was such a beautiful sight. My friends and I have, therefore, decided to attend the midnight mass there tonight,” she said.

A 30-foot-tall decorated Christmas tree in south Delhi’s DLF Mall in Saket is attracting a lot of curious onlookers.

“I don’t have any shopping to do, but I am going to the mall anyway to catch a glimpse of the Christmas tree,” said Avika Das, a homemaker.

Keeping in mind the festive spirit, NGOs like the Uday Foundation conducted a story-telling session Thursday for kids with heart defects at the Escorts hospital.

An NGO member said: “We have regular story-telling sessions for kids suffering from diseases in hospitals. The aim is to help children, adolescents and their families to maintain normal living and minimise fears and anxieties during hospitalisation.”

“Today’s session is especially to mark Christmas and help these kids celebrate like everyone else,” the member added.