Christmas cheer: Bengaluru celebrates with Santa hats, reindeer antlers

Bengaluru: Bengalureans soaked in the Christmas spirit and hit the streets to celebrate. Areas like Church Street and Commercial Street were packed with people adorning Santa hats and reindeer antlers.

Thousands of Christians made their way to various churches for the morning mass to celebrate the nativity (birth) of Christ. People thronged churches such as Holy Ghost Church, St. Mary’s Basilica, Infant Jesus Church, and many others.

Home bakers disrupted the market as traditional bakeries reported only a small increase in demand. Prices of artificial trees increased by 10% as demand shot up slightly.

Many malls spread Christmas cheer by setting up grand decorations and hosting events like Santa meet-and-greets, live music, and performances.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police established traffic restrictions near malls in East Bengaluru, anticipating heavy footfall from Christmas shoppers.

Jency Joseph, a resident of Kerala who studied in Bengaluru, said the Christmas celebrations in Bengaluru were close to her heart. She visited the city only to witness the Christmas lights and cheer. “I studied in Bengaluru for two years, and I’m very fond of the Christmas decorations and spirit here,” she said.

Rebecca Rassendren, a resident of Bengaluru, said that spending Christmas with her family in the city she calls home is second to none. “I’ve spent Christmas in other parts of India and abroad, but being with family and making sweets is something special. Heading for Christmas shopping on Commercial Street or seeing Brigade Road all lit up always brings the fondest memories around this season,” she remarked.