Twin City awed by Christmas festivities; NRIs throng city in family merriment

Hyderabad: Christmas festivities spread their charm all around the twin cities Thursday, with churches decorated, carol shows in most eateries, bakeries selling more of traditional cakes, and last-minute shopping being on in full swing in the run-up to the traditional Midnight Mass.

Cosmetics shops and beauty parlours did brisk business while homes were filled with the aroma of Rose cookies, Kalkals, Donuts etc. Family gatherings have been given more importance this time so as to avoid large gatherings which are usual for the occasion like Midnight Mass.

Lots of NRIs descended on the city and made sure that, even in these Covid times, the celebrations were in full swing. The Centenary Methodist Church at Chapel Road was all set to have the Christmas Services – starting from Pre-Dawn Services, extending them till late in the afternoon. The Church was beautifully lit up.

Captain Alwyn Menezes attended the midnight mass at St Anthony’s church at RK Puram. “I served the Indian Army for 20 years. Even when I kept moving places on transfers, I made sure I visited the closest churches for the midnight mass,” he said.

Large numbers of Non-Resident Indians have made up their mind to celebrate Christmas 2020 in the midst of their loved ones. Rahul Pranay Kumar, a permanent resident (PR) of Canada, was here celebrating and he’s having great time with his family. Stated he, “I missed my mother and sister for the past four Christmases. Without your near and dear ones around, it will be a blue Christmas even if you are at the best of places. This season is filled with so much of fun and celebrations, as we all went for the carol rounds.”

Paul Mithra, a US resident from here, was in the city to celebrate Christmas along with his parents. “Yes, after two decades”, he beamed. “This Christmas brings all my memories back. The church is beautifully lit up. Any celebration in my own Hyderabad is always the best for me.”

Gopa Daniel, member of the Pastorate committee, said, “The Wesley Church, Ramkote, is all set to dedicate its new church constructed in the same premises by the Most Rt Rev A Dharamaraj Rasalam, moderator for the Churches of South India, on Christmas Day.”

Celine Lazarus of the St Sabastian Church, Defiance Colony, hailing from the Anglo Indian Community, said: “Since the pandemic is all around, the family is making sure we attend the Virtual service.”