Christmas is around the corner. The twinkling lights, decorated trees, and the last-minute shopping for gifts… the Christmas spirit is everywhere. People from all walks of life observe the day in Odisha as ‘Bada Din’ to mark Jesus’ birthday with special prayers held in churches across the state.
Orissa POST interacted with a few children who shared with us their plans for the festival.
Peyanshi Rout, a Class III student in Bhubaneswar, said, “The people in our apartment complex celebrate every occasion and festival, and Christmas is no exception. Every year, we organise a feast with delicious food items. Many of us attend the prayers in churches which are spectacularly decorated with flowers, Christmas trees and lights on the occasion. Markets too are full of colourful lights and decorative items ranging from sparkling tinsels to colourful Christmas bells and stars. I love to celebrate the last festival of the year with my friends in the society. We also play some outdoor games like badminton and volley on December 25 in the presence of our parents.”
Biswajit Behera, a Class IV student of DAV School Cuttack, said, “As our schools are closed and class examinations are over, the preparation for the festival starts well in advance. My mother bakes cookies, cakes and various other items. The celebration is not complete without the Christmas tree. There is a tradition of decorating the Christmas tree as a symbol of Christ. My father has bought a lot of decorative items like tinsels, stars, balloons, lights, gifts, candies among others for our tree at home. He says Christmas trees radiate positive energy and ward off negative spirits from our house. Along with my father, I decorate the tree and eat lots of cookies and cakes in the evening.”
Smily Roul, Class III student of Mothers Public School, Bhubaneswar, said, “Last year, along with other family members, we went on a picnic to Jaydev Vatika on the outskirts of the city. But this time I have asked my parents to take me to a nearby church. I have heard that people from different communities come together to celebrate the festival burning candles in front of Lord Jesus. Along with my parents, I will go to church this time. Also, my father has assured me that in the evening he will take me along with my cousins to a ‘game zone’ in a city shopping mall. We will spend the evening there and eat fast food while returning home.”
Kumar Subhransu, a Class VI student of Saraswati Sishu Mandir Unit- III, Bhubaneswar has planned to spend the day with friends. He says, “The most interesting part of Christmas is Santa Claus. I just love his special attire. Every year we celebrate the day in our school. A few days before Christmas, we prepare a Christmas tree and decorate it with colourful lights. This year also we have designed a Christmas tree and we expect Santa to visit us like last year. It is believed that Santa loves kids and likes to gift them secretly. So, I am excited. My father has planned to visit a nearby church in the evening. I really love the place. Colourful lights, a big Christmas tree, candles, flowers and the cute idol of infant Jesus… they create a unique feeling of happiness. During the day, I will visit one of my Christian friends who has invited us to his house. I love the cake and snacks his mother prepares. It’s very yummy. So I am eagerly waiting for the day.”
SOYONG, OP
