Christmas carols, cakes and gifts, it’s merrymaking in Delhi!

NEW DELHI - Soaking in the festive spirit while wrapped in layers of clothing, Delhiites Saturday visited various decked up churches, sang carols, exchanged presents and gorged on fruit plum cakes to celebrate the festival of Christmas.

Braving chilly winds, denizens of the city assembled for the midnight mass at the churches Friday night on the Christmas eve.

“Frankly, there would be no fun in celebrating Christmas without the chill. After all, Christmas is all about snow and the winter. In fact, I hope that it actually snows here next year as I just love this festival,” 19-year-old Marisa Phillip told IANS.

Children as well as their parents were evidently enthralled by the huge Christmas tree at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in central Delhi. The tinkling ornaments, streamers, and coloured lights on the tree and the manger with baby Jesus and Mary captivated the visitors.

“We visit this particular church every year. We come here and light candles and offer our prayers to Jesus and Mother Mary. The atmosphere here is just electric,” said Arushi Bhatnagar, who was accompanied by her kids and husband.

The little ones were truly overjoyed as they woke up to neatly wrapped gifts from Santa Claus.

“I got a new pair of shoes and a big box of chocolates from Santa Claus. I am delighted as I had always wanted these shoes. Next year, I’ll wish for a Playstation video game,” said a cheerful Shaurya Verma, 8.

The kids admitted at Escorts Hospital received a special kind of a gift Friday as “Deputy Commissioner of Police H.G.S. Dhaliwal joined them in Christmas celebrations and narrated stories to them,” said an official of NGO Uday, which organised the event.

Houses in various Christian-dominated localities were decorated with Star of Bethlehem-shaped lights, Christmas trees and Santa cut-outs. Friends and families visited one another over sumptuous lunches and sang carols and exchanged gifts.

“I will be visiting my girlfriend’s house in the afternoon as she is a Catholic. Her mother has prepared rum cake, turkey and apple pies,” a youngster said.

The major market places across the city wore a festive look with Christmas trees, colourful lights, tiny bells and streamers. The shops, especially the bakeries, did brisk business.

“We have been baking cakes and pastries since yesterday (Friday) morning and all of them have been flying off the shelf. I am proud to say that our products are literally selling like hot cakes,” said the owner of a bakery shop in Defence colony.