ITANAGAR, Dec 13: John Borang is busy these days in decorating his house with colourful stars and Christmas tree other than visiting the local church, friends and participating in carols. Very importantly he, along with friends, is visiting patients at hospitals and offering gifts. It’s Christmas time.
Across the world December is one of the busiest months in waiting and preparing for the Christmas night on December 25. Arunachal Pradesh, with sizeable Christian believers, is no different. Stars shining on roof-tops and shops flooding with Christmas gifts and trees are signs enough to announce the festival time.
The festival season that continues till the New Year with prayers, songs and church gatherings in the State has its uniqueness, which is different from the celebrations across the world. The indigenous touch is there for everyone to see.
Borang, a member of the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Baptist Church, reveals that they would sacrifice a Mithun this festival besides performing the customary rituals.
Pisa Dobom of Daying Ering Colony Catholic Church, Itanager, informs that they are organizing a cultural competition on the occasion. Besides, youths are playing very important role by taking active part in spreading message of Jesus Christ to the common people.
K Yirang, a devout Christian and an indigenous local, says, “We are going to celebrate Christmas in our own way and as per tradition we would sacrifice a mithun besides others on the occasion.”
Christmas season is also awaited by non-Christians, especially the shopkeepers.
G Nath, a shopkeeper, confirmed that ‘stars’ are selling like hot cakes apart from other gift and decorating items.
“I’m desperately waiting for the 24th of this month so that I can sell out all my gift items and sweets,” he adds.
Originally from West Bengal, Nath has been running a gift-shop for the last two years in the State capital. Unlike other festivals, his business booms at the advent of Christmas. THE SENTINEL
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