In a heartwarming display of unity, the residents of Panaji's La Campala Colony are experiencing the true spirit of Christmas this year, thanks to a unique and technologically advanced walk-in crib. The installation is the brainchild of three childhood friends—Agostinho Ribeiro, Manoj Vishwakarma, and Abdul Chaudhary—who belong to three different faiths but share a bond of friendship and a common festive tradition.
A Childhood Tradition Evolves with Technology
Agostinho Ribeiro, Manoj Vishwakarma, and Abdul Chaudhary have been collaborating to build a Christmas crib every year since they were children. This year, they decided to elevate their annual project by integrating robotics and creating an immersive, walk-through experience for the community. The trio, now working professionals, pooled their distinct skills to bring this vision to life over two months of late-night work after their office hours.
"While I conceptualised the crib, Manoj is good at technology and engineering, and Abdul’s expertise lies in construction and architecture," explained Ribeiro, highlighting their collaborative synergy. The project, constructed with a budget of a little over Rs 1 lakh, prioritised sustainability by using eco-friendly materials like paper, straw, and other perishable items.
An Immersive Festive Attraction for All
The crib, located in La Campala Colony's Lane 4, has transformed the area into a buzzing festive hub. It is open to the public free of cost and features multiple interactive scenes that visitors can walk through. The detailed installation includes:
- The traditional nativity scene with the Three Kings visiting baby Jesus.
- Shepherds tending to their herds.
- A whimsical North Pole setting complete with reindeer and snowmen.
- A small pond inhabited by live tilapia fish.
The robotic moving figures are a major draw, activated in the evenings. "During the day, children come to see the crib," said Ribeiro. "At night, the robotics are switched on and families line up to experience it." The attraction has gained immense popularity through word of mouth, drawing large crowds from the colony and neighbouring areas.
More Than a Crib: A Symbol of Giving Back
For the three friends, this project transcends religious celebration; it is a powerful statement of communal harmony and community participation. "All of us belong to three different faiths, but since childhood, we have come together to build a crib every year," Ribeiro emphasised. Their creation stands as a testament to India's pluralistic social fabric.
"This crib is our way of giving something back to the community," Ribeiro stated, encapsulating the project's core ethos. Abdul Chaudhary noted that the walk-in crib successfully merges tradition with innovation, making it a unique festive attraction. The initiative by Ribeiro, Vishwakarma, and Chaudhary serves as a shining example of how shared values and collective effort can foster joy and unity, making this Christmas in Panaji truly memorable.
