CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED IN KERALA
Christmas was celebrated with gaiety across Kerala Sunday, with churches crowded right from midnight on Christmas Eve.Sudden rains caused heartburn to many who were getting ready to burst crackers overnight. Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a downpour, which caught unawares many out on the streets to celebrate Christmas. It led to traffic snarls.In Christian homes, a sumptuous breakfast is the trademark on Christmas day.This includes the laced 'appam' mixed with fresh toddy and stew made mostly using chicken. A steamed banana, an egg curry, a piece of cake and a glass of wine complete the breakfast.Hotels were geared for Christmas lunch and buffet dinners.Bakeries did a roaring business as the practise of exchanging cakes cuts across communities.Christians make up 22 percent of Kerala's 32 million population. They are concentrated in the central districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Thrissur.Among Christians, Catholics,orthodox, the dominant denominations, comprising 80percent.Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has conveyed his Christmas greetings to Malayalis all over the world.In a message, on the eve of this auspicious occasion, Chandy said that the message of Lord Jesus Christ was of peace and goodwill to the whole world. The principles enunciated by him for mankind are relevant for all times to come. The Chief Minister wished the people a happy and prosperous Christmas and prayed that peace and tranquility reigns in the state and the country.The Chief Minister wanted the commemoration of Jesus Christ as sacrifice to nurture affection, peace and tranquility. He expressed the hope that the celebrations would provide an opportunity to the people to share amity and fraternity. Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Assembly V S Achuthanandan also greeted people on the eve of Christmas. KPCC President Ramesh Chennnithala said the celebrations would inspire love, fraternity and amity. He extended warm greetings to all Malayalis especially the Christian brethren on the eve of Merry Christmas.
Prof. John Kurakar
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