Alight & buzzing! Spirit of Christmas grips twin cities

HYDERABAD: The spirit of Christmas reached fever pitch on Monday night with people across communities flocking to churches across the twin cities. On a not so chilly night, the city reverberated with sounds of bells and carols to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
It is no surprise that Christmas celebrations are enjoyed by everyone and the same held true for the twin cities as people across communities gathered to celebrate.Churches all around saw scores of people congregating for midnight masses and join in the festivities.
At St Mary’s Basilica Church in Secunderabad, one of the oldest churches in the country, people started pouring from early in the evening. “I came out with friends to be part of the Christmas celebrations. The sparkling stars and Christmas trees with all their decorations are a joy to behold,” shared Kritika Ahuja, a resident of AS Rao Nagar The festive fervour pervaded the other churches that welcomed the young and old alike dressed in their evening best. Many were also spotted sporting Santa caps. “I look forward to this time of the year as my cousins and friends who have not been around because of work or other engagements gather for Christmas. The festival is like an annual reunion for our family. A time when we shop, eat and have the best of times of together,” said 25-year-old Reynold Jacob.
Joy and merriment filled the streets with churches sparkling in decorative lights, beautiful Christmas trees dotting public places, star lanterns glittering outside the Christian households and the delicious aroma of freshly baked plum cakes in the air.
From restaurants to eateries and from hotels to community halls, various commercial establishments left no stone unturned to cash in on the festivities. Discounts and offers were commonplace across several stores in the city as people filled their coffers with gifts for their loved ones. It is indeed the season to be jolly.