Yuletide spirit grips city

Nikhila Pant Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 24

The chill is in the air and the children are eagerly awaiting a visit by Santa Claus. To add to their excitement and cater to the increasing demand, the city’s markets have everything on offer — from Christmas trees to Santa masks and caps, to stars, bells and mistletoes.

Narain Dass Kansal, owner of a shop in Dhobi Bazar, told Bathinda Tribune, “We have stars, bells, Christmas trees, balls, Santa stickers and posters, and many other decorative items. The demand for Christmas goods is rising, thanks to the celebration of the festival in the city schools.” Another shopkeeper in the market, Prem Kumar, agreed, “The sale of Christmas items has risen and is expected to rise even more on Thursday. The items are priced between Rs 100 to Rs 700. The money doesn’t matter anymore, it is the spirit of the festival that has taken over in the city.”

Children are especially being charmed by these items. “I bought two Christmas trees from a shop in Dhobi Bazar. While the trees, with a steel trunk, cost me Rs 800 each, decorating them cost me Rs 600 more. While I bought one tree for a celebration at home, I bought the other one to give to my friend who is organising a party in the city,” said Sukhbir Singh, a resident of Model Town.

Some apparel stores on Mall Road, Dhobi Bazar and Mittal Mall have not only decorated their stores with Christmas trees, but are offering special Christmas discounts as well. “Till last year, we were offering only Diwali, New Year and end of the season discounts. This year, we have started offering Christmas discounts as well. The customers are happy,” said the owner of one of the apparel stores on Mall Road.

So, what are you waiting for? Put on your Santa cap, soak in the festive fervour and have your share of the cake.