Shillong, Dec 23: As the people of Meghalaya prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the atmosphere in Shillong is filled with a sense of joy and anticipation.
The city’s streets are decked up in lights, and people of all faiths are thronging commercial centres to soak in the festive spirit.
Churches have lined up services to welcome the birth of Jesus.
The streets are bustling with locals doing their last-minute shopping for clothes and other essentials. However, shopkeepers are saying that business is slow compared to previous years.
“We’re hoping to make up for it by Wednesday,” said a shopkeeper in Police Bazar.
A taxi driver expressed disappointment with the government’s decision to decorate the city, suggesting that the funds could have been better spent on helping the poor.
“The only people making profits are those individuals installing the decorations all over the city,” he said.
Meanwhile, vendors selling Christmas Berries are optimistic about making the most of the festive season.
Localities across the city have held Christmas carols, ushering in the spirit of the festival. The Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, visited the Cathedral Church at Laitumkhrah to extend Christmas greetings to the Christian community.
The Governor’s visit was marked by a special Christmas program, featuring hymns and songs by the church choir. He lauded the choir members for their soulful performance and emphasized the message of goodwill and harmony.
As the city celebrates the festive season, the atmosphere is filled with a sense of peace and joy. The Christmas celebrations are a time for people to come together and spread love and kindness.
