Santa’s Indian Wardrobe!
If you look at idols and paintings of the Buddha done in China or Japan, you’ll never believe Buddha was from India/ Nepal!
For centuries, Chinese, Japanese and Korean artists have carved and painted him in their own image.
Similarly, paintings of the Ramayana done in Bali, Indonesia, show Rama and Sita with more oriental features. Everywhere the Gods travel, they pick up local complexions and features.
Now, let’s have some fun with Santa. Since he comes to India every year, during Christmas, it might be fun to have an Indian costume ready for him…for when he gets bored with his usual red suit (or too hot in it)! Have you noticed how the traditional colours of Christmas – red, green and white, are also auspicious colours in India?
Wedding saris are usually red. And the most traditional south Indian silks have red and green on them.
So cut out Santa and stick him onto a used sheet of chart paper or cardboard. Cut the board too in line with his silhouette. Now that you have a stiff Santa, cut out his traditional suit and ‘dress him up’!
And when you want a change, switch his outfit to the Indian bandgala and turban! You could even colour up his face and hands to a more Indian skin tone. There, doesn’t Santa look comfortable?
Illustrations & Text: Kavitha Mandana
