K - DIARY PAGE:WEDNESDAY-25 DECEMBER 2002

DIARY PAGE: WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2002.

The sun peeped in through the window and the bright sunlight was like a
smile on sun's face indicating people to rise and start their day. The
eastern sky was flooded red, sending the message to those in bed, to
get up and begin their day. The atmosphere outside was nostalgic, the
cool winter breeze mingled with the sunlight as though they were
flirting with each other.

Today is Christmas. The two hundred years of the British Raj has left
behind in India, the 25th of December, a day of festivity and fervour.
Like the other main festivals------ Dusshera, Diwali, Eid, ------ so
also Christmas is celebrated with the same sentiment and gusto all over
India.

Some reflections of my childhood Christmas memories are very
sweet.

I enjoyed the Christmas holidays. Cakes and other savouries were sent
to us by Mrs. Wright our neighbour. I watched out for my gifts from
Santa Claus. Friends used to send greeting cards, their names written
in their neat hand writing. Chocolate cakes were baked at home. I went
to school those days to greet our Sisters. Listened to the Christmas
carols and helped friends in decorating the Christmas trees. The
coloured bulbs and candles were lighted at night. There was so much of
excitement and merriment all around.

But those childish pranks are lost and in its place the Christmas
celebration looks a bit different with the change in age. Now during
the Christmas market places are crowded, bakers are busy and people
busy with their preparations. Guests drop in to exchange greetings and
enjoy a slice of cakes and drink.

In India Christmas is also known as 'Bara Din' (the big day), a big day
of the cold season with lots of good food and get together and bitter
sweet nostalgia.

In Dusshera and Diwali there are 'mithai's' (sweets), in Eid the
special Sevaiyan (special sweet preparation) and in Christmas special
cakes and savouries are made and shared among friends in cosmopolitan
areas in India where people of different caste, creed, cultures and
religion live together. This day being a national holiday all the
offices and the educational institutions remain closed.

Like other festivals Christmas also spreads the message of love,
friendship and oneness among all the people. I pray to god that people
should live in peace and harmony in this beautiful world.

It was a wonderful day and I enjoyed every moment. Had late dinner and
went to bed.

11.50 p.m.