Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 24:
The sleepy town of Churachanpur comes alive to the beat of'the Christmas.
On the eve of Christmas today, preparation for the celebration has reached its crescendo with shoppers in thousands thronging the main market places in Lamka town.
All the major shops and the second'hand stalls that lined up Tiddim road, the main shopping mall, have hectic time bargaining or counting the take while all the roads and by-lanes remained choc-a-bloc with a sea of humanity venturing out to make their last minute Christmas purchases.
Due to the exceedingly large number of people turning out in the street, the one-way traffic was enforced in the main streets but the Traffic Police posted at various junctions could hardly do anything to reduce the congestion.
It is the same story in the Churches dotting every localities where the faithfuls are busy decorating Christmas trees, Santa Claus and Christmas stars.
Numerous Christmas carols had already been witnessed.
Makeshift ovens and huge pots along with bundles of firewood for the seemingly endless feasts made their appearance from nowhere, but everywhere.
The Civil Supplies Deptt had already issued permits to 350 local Churches for SK oil and sugar at controlled rates.
The combined budget for various Churches in the Lamka town for Christmas and New Year celebration this year is estimated to be nearing Rs 1 crore.
A cursory look at the various stalls revealed that it is the still the ubiquitous second hand stalls selling every from underwears to jackets to Barbie dolls at prices ranging from a high of Rs 600 to a low of Rs 2 that attract the bulk of the shoppers.
Electrical stores and gift/card shops are also the most visited places as the 'Gift Exchange Programme' have become a common practice during the celebration.
A special Christmas woolen cap in red and white marketed by the Children's Department at Upper Lamka has especially caught the fancy of the people with many parents placing advance order for their children.
The Department is also planning hold an All-Night programme on the intervening night of December 24 and 25 in which Dedication Service, Holy Vibes, Candle Light, Carols, Santa Gift and Howdy Christmas will be the main attractions.