Bhubaneswar: Denizens across the state let their hairs down to mark the Christmas Eve celebrations today by purchasing new dresses and gifts for them and decorating their houses with Christmas trees and stars
To start with the state capital Bhubaneswar, all the Churches here reached the final phase of their preparation for that big day of December 25 and made elaborate arrangements for the midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
The St Vincent’s Catholic Church at Janpath in Bhubaneswar wore a festive look with a crowd of Christian devotees paying a visit to it and taking part in the shopping in the temporary Christmas markets set up nearby. A good number of devotees were also seen at the Unit-4 church in the city which was seen neatly lit-up for the occasion.
As it is believed that Jesus Christ arrived on the earth in the midnight of the Christmas Eve, devotees in the capital city are all set to celebrate by organising gathering of family and friends and singing of Christmas carols along with illumination and enjoyment.
In Silk City Berhampur, which is having a sizeable Christian community wore a festive look with beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Devotees were seen taking part in the dance practise for a flawless performance in the midnight. People were seen braving the chilling cold to indulge themselves in the religious fervour.
“We are very much excited about the day for which we waited for a whole year. Christmas trees, Santa Claus caps and toys for the occasion. The midnight mass will be started at around 11 pm in the night,” said a local.
Cake shops in the city also witnessed a jam-packed crowd with people virtually competing with each other to order their favourite flavour. Shop owners also faced a busy schedule with boom in the business.
In northern Odisha district Balasore also, the Christmas revelry remained at its peak with Baptist and Catholic churches making elaborate arrangement for the celebration. People from all walks of life irrespective of religion were seen in a festive mood for the Christmas Eve in the Balasore town proving it to be a symbol of religious harmony.
“As the Christmas celebration is nearing, we have started organising family gatherings and preparing sweets and dishes for a full-fledged celebration at the midnight. We congratulate each other for the occasion and waiting for the birth of Jesus which gives a message of peace and love,” said Sunita Saha, a resident.
Meanwhile, the sand artist of global repute Sudarshan Patnaik also created the largest Santa Claus sculpture at Puri sea beach to mark the Chritstamas celebration. With 30 feet high and 100 feet wide the Santa Claus was made with plastic bottles and sand with a message “Ready To Change-Beat Plastic Pollution.”
Ms Kalinga