E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 26 -

Transcending religious boundaries, the Christmas festival, this year too, brought jollity among non-Christian youth in the Kathmandu Valley.

With non-Christians (specially youth) taking part in programmes like dance parties, concerts, prayer-gatherings, among others, organised on occasion of the Christmas, the biggest festival of the Christians is getting more and more popular in the Valley.

While the Capital city was in a festive mood of Christmas already around one week before the birthday of Jesus Christ (December 25), exchanging of greetings

and gifts among Kathmanduites was full-frontal among the non-Christians as well.

As per the popular Christian belief, Santa Clause, an old supernatural man with white beard who is dressed in red from top to bottom and flies in the sky on his horse-chariot, in Christmas, gives gifts of dolls and chocolates to “good and descent” children. New Road streets saw some people dressed as Santa Clause giving chocolates and amusing children on the day.

“The way Christmas is celebrated in high spirits by exchanging gifts, singing and dancing is very attractive,” said Anurup Nepal, whom the Post encountered at a gift shop in New Baneshwor on Saturday evening, the Christmas Eve. “The concept of Santa Clause that comes along with Christmas joie de vivre is even enchanting. I think these are the factors because of which this festival has been captivating the city youth.”

While shops and gift stores were all decorated with flowers, Xmas trees, confetti and lights, hotels and department stores cashed in on the Christmas mood by launching new schemes to attract customers.

On the Christmas eve, The Everest Hotel organised a concert with attractive door prizes. Moksh restaurant in Jhamsikhel also jumped on the bandwagon by organising a dance party and concert.

Sundar Thapa, chairman of Federation of Nepali Christians, said, “Celebrations are for happiness and the reasons for being happy have no religious limitations. As people from all walks of life have been celebrating Christmas these days, the trend seems to be changing.”

By the same token FNCN Vice-Chairman Reverend Isujang Karki said, “Especially, after the declaration of a secular state, religious values and tolerance seem to have grown positively among youngsters.”

Posted on: 2011-12-26 09:04

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