The Christmas Nostalgia...

It's 23rd December. As I shutdown for the day in the Emirates with few cheers and a goodbye to fellow colleagues, my mind goes back to the Christmas mood that has enlightened my mind - of the last time I was in Goa.

With a warm welcome and open arms, I stood there welcomed by throngs of villagers strolling from afar. They rush hurriedly exclaiming with joy, on meeting their betrothed son who has not seen them for ages since he last left the countryside. Singing the traditional carols, they come in a big procession with candles lit and Christmas caps to bring in the festive cheer and spirit of the season. Its also common for families to share some of their home-made sweets with the carol singers who go from house to house in the vaddo to keep the spirits alive in the neighbourhood.

I also recall, on the 24th, Christmas Eve - this is the day one must not miss out on - the All Goa Carol Singing competition. This is but one event held on a grand scale in Parra that brings all the bands, choirs and musicians from all over Goa to showcase their talent, get visibility apart from competing for the best Carol performance. The streets are packed with some people going frenzy, sitting on top of compounds to watch the grand show which is also broad-casted live on YouTube.

As I recalled some of these quaint moments, I felt quite nostalgic as there is a significant difference between celebrating Christmas in your homecountry vs overseas. With the exception of attending the midnight masses and seeing shopping malls decorated, it is normal working day that just goes past like no-other. What makes Christmas in your hometown different is that, it is not just a holiday - it is but a great festival that brings together the whole community and neighbourhood for once.

Such is the spirit of the Christmas festivities that characterise the jubilant atmosphere of my home state of Goa. There is no street left untouched as all vaddos, neighbourhoods lay decorated to commeorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ!

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