Growing up with the fervour

Be it Dasara, Diwali or Eid, the people of Bengaluru are always ready to celebrate any joyous occasion on the calendar. The experimenting and accepting attitude of the City has brought many individuals together despite their diverse ethnic backgrounds. With just a few days left before the year comes to a close, we have Christmas which is celebrated with much fervour among Bengalureans. While gearing up to celebrate the last festival of 2015, students in the City talk about their childhood memories and their plans for this year’s Christmas.

A bag full of surprises

Shwetha S Shetty, a BCom student of St Joseph’s College of Commerce, says, “I remember my best Christmas as a kid was at a burger joint where there was a Christmas party for children. Those days making new friends over lots of Christmas goodies was the best thing. Every kid at that party actually believed in Santa. We all thought Santa comes from a place where there’s lots of snow which is why he had white hair and a beard. But that was not our main concern. What mattered was we went home with a bag full of goodies and chocolates. And as a kid nothing made me happier. Ever since then Christmas became my favourite festival.

Over elaborate feasts
Sridevi VG, a second-year student of Mount Carmel College, says, “Christmas is a festival that everyone celebrates, regardless of their religion, in Bengaluru. I remember, as a kid, my parents used to take me to various churches on Christmas day just to show how beautiful they all look. The decorations and lights used to attract my attention and brought a different kind of joy to me. We used to visit our Christian friends’ residences for a lavish meal and also exchange gifts. The best part was the homemade plum cakes, wines and chocolates that they used to offer us.

Here comes Santa Claus
Ashish Varghese, a student of CMR Institute of Management Studies, says, “The time during Christmas always stands out in my memory. One of my fondest memory of this festival goes back to when I was a kid. Like every other child, I too believed that there was an actual Santa. My parents used to tell me that when I wake up on Christmas Day, probably my wish for a toy car would be granted by Santa. With all the anticipation I couldn’t sleep once and as soon as I woke up, I rushed to the Christmas tree and found exactly what I wished for. It was such a joyful moment! But as I grew up, material gifts didn’t matter to me; what did was the family being together on that day. I consider this as my new lease of life.”

When you’re happy and you know it
Rinki, a final-year BCom student of Jyoti Nivas College, says, “Christmas has always been special as this is the season which brings unlimited happiness and also many gifts. Seeing the streets and houses decked up with lights made me feel alive as a kid. The thought of
Christmas reminds me of chocolates and as an occasion to spend quality time with my family.  I celebrate Christmas by decorating my own Christmas tree and going to the Church with friends.”

Hooray! It’s a holi-holiday
Pooja, a final-year BCom student of Jain University, says, “As a child, Christmas was always a big occasion. The sweets that kept coming from the beginning of December made me a happy kid. My parents used to surprise me with a lot of gifts every Christmas and the best thing about the festival even today is the long holiday that extends upto New Year’s. Visiting a Christian friend’s place is a must and having delicious food at their place is something I can’t miss.”

Location: Garuda Mall