With Christmas spirit reaching a crescendo in the state, stores in the city are a visual treat with colourful baubles, bells, Christmas trees, wreaths and balloons
BHUBANESWAR: The fanciness of various marketplaces is accentuated, especially during the festive seasons, by a row of decorated shops selling novelty goodies.
With Christmas spirit reaching a crescendo in the state, these stores are a visual treat with colourful baubles, bells, Christmas trees, wreaths and balloons strung up. Little Jesus figurines add to the décor and brighten the otherwise dingy market.
Not just for Christians, the shops are a must-visit for Hindus, Muslims and members of other communities. Shoppers of all ages, lured into this cluster of heavily decorated shops, end up buying a thing or two.
Attractive gift coupons, discounts and free goodies were on offer to allure buyers from every nook and corner of the capital city. Interacting with shoppers, store owners and onlookers, Orissa Post learned the importance of giveaway gifts on the occasions of Christmas and New Year.
Siddharta Gupta, a shopper at Hamley store in Esplanade One, said, “All the stores are decorated well. I am purchasing toys for my daughters. From puzzles to Christmas goodies, these stores have plenty to offer for caring parents.”For the ones who are not able to afford buying stuff in posh malls, can always visit marketplaces like Ekamra Haat, which is decked up to draw Christmas shoppers. Owner of a store here Chintamani Nayak said, “We have decked up the market in all sorts with Christmas products and related items. Customers are spoilt for choice. People have a misconception that Unit-1 doesn’t sell Christmas goodies, but our stock will surprise you. Many hotels and institutes have pre-ordered Christmas trees and Santa clothes. I am hoping to make good business this year.”
New Year gifts like figurines, customised nameplates, calendars, pen stands, greeting cards and dummy monuments were also on demand. One can witness the rush in the galleries of Archies and Hallmark where young and old alike are buying gifts for their loved ones.
“Christmas tree is a centrepiece that sparkles and lights up one’s home, while perfectly wrapped presents gather underneath. But there are some essentials that you need to follow when decorating a tree like ribbons, colourful baubles and tree toppers among others, said interior designer Smita Bisoi who is already packed with her Christmas decorations for many old-age homes in the city.
“Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent his son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. So as humans, it’s our pleasure to celebrate this day with the less fortunate,” said Sister Merlyn from a city-based orphanage. The institution has already received many décor items from secret benefactors.
A facet of Christmas shopping that has really appealed to the customers is recycling. The market this year has been flooded with décor items made of recycled waste. City-based creative artist Soumya Padhi has already created 40 Santa hats and 30 New Year door hangings from wasted fabrics. Such initiatives surely make Christmas celebrations merrier.