The coastal city of Mangaluru is witnessing a vibrant and grand celebration of Christmas this year, marked by innovative traditions, bustling commercial activity, and a strong sense of community spirit returning after the pandemic lull.
Festive Lights and Last-Minute Rush
In the days leading up to Christmas, the city transformed with beautiful festive lighting and streets bustling with vendors selling sweets, Christmas crib accessories, and decorations. On Wednesday evening, Christmas Eve, celebrations officially commenced with mass services across all churches and chapels in the district. Commercial establishments experienced a huge rush as residents made last-minute preparations for the festivities.
Innovation Meets Tradition: The Digital Crib
A highlight of this year's celebrations is the blending of traditional devotion with modern technology. St Anthony's Home for the Aged in Jeppu unveiled a unique 'Digital Crib.' Located at the entrance, this crib offers an interactive digital experience where visitors can scan a QR code. This action immerses them in a virtual Nativity journey, allows participation in quizzes, and educates them about the history of crib traditions worldwide. All churches in the district have prepared unique cribs, each carrying a specific theme and message.
Community Spirit and Economic Boost
Event organizers have noted a significant revival of community-centric celebrations. "Carol singing events and competitions, which had taken a backseat after the pandemic, have returned in a big way this year," said event organizer Angel D'Souza. He added that several localities organized such programs, drawing sizable crowds and receiving a positive response.
The festive energy has provided a substantial boost to local businesses. Shopkeeper Wilson D'Souza reported a buzzing city for the past two weeks, with many customers buying Christmas lights, decorations, and crib-making materials. The demand for traditional kuswar (Christmas sweets) and cakes has also been high, with seasonal bakers emerging to meet the demand as homemade traditions fade.
The hospitality sector is thriving too, with a huge rush of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and others arriving to celebrate with families. BN Girish, vice-president of The Ocean Pearl in Mangaluru, confirmed that all rooms at their establishment are booked until New Year, with good bookings starting from the first week of December.
The festive spirit extends beyond the city to taluks across the district, with shops and bakeries reporting brisk business. On Christmas Eve, Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore, celebrated mass at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, marking a spiritual high point of the celebrations.
