JOIN USChristmas without Santa Claus is unimaginable. That’s what, the Infant Jesus Cathedral on Hunsur road in the city thought about, to make coming Christmas festival a special one.
The Infant Jesus Catholic Centre (IJCC), the parent body of the cathedral, is ready with ‘Santa Claus’ but of sand. A first of its kind attraction by any church in the city, Santa has occupied a prime place in the compound of the church, ready to beckon the visitors from the evening of December 22.
What makes it dear again is the deft hands that made it. Gowri M N, 23-year-old lone woman sand artiste in the city from Yadavagiri, took three days to create the replica — measuring 25 feet long and wide and 13 feet tall, using 1,200 cft of sand (five loads). Unlike the life-size creation of Santa, it’s only the face and hands that adorn the pedestal here with a gift bag.
Nanjundaswamy, father of Gowri, who spoke to Deccan Herald in her absence said as it’s art by sand, the job requires work without giving room for any errors from the beginning. It would be difficult in case of correction. The sand, mixed with water and also a sticky substance, besides a paint that settles on the sand are the only raw materials.
President of IJCC John G Kunnel said when the meeting was organised, it was resolved to recreate Santa. A picture of Santa available on the net was the source.
Kunnel said the special attraction for Christmas began from last year with a model of the Palace.
Santa Claus model will be open for public from December 22, 5 pm, till December 25, 9 pm.
Entries have been invited for the tenth annual cake model competition. Already 20 persons have enrolled and the last date is December 22. The cake exhibition will remain open from December 22 to 25. Why cake? Pat replies John: “Like Santa, Christmas without cake is unimaginable”.
For details of competition contact A R Joseph or Sudheer Kumar on 9448601263 or 9916138064.
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