The festive season has set in but they are stuck miles away from their home, in an alien city. The city, however, hasn't disappointed them. They are soaking every bit of Christmas spirit in Kolkata, be it the chaat stall on Park Street, breakfast in Flurys or the cultural extravaganza at Allen Park.
Different nations, same spirit
Hila Nadir, a Jew, has already started celebrating Christmas in Kolkata. The young lawyer from Israel, however, is gearing up for the big day, the Christmas day. Thanks to the frenzy all around that has inspired the likes of Nadir. "The kind of festivity all around is so infectious. I cannot stop myself from being a part of it," said Nadir, who is putting up at a guest house in Sudder Street.
Shane Masters arrived in Kolkata about a week ago after touring Jaipur. The real estate dealer from Georgia wanted to be away from his native place as he did not want to celebrate a religious festival. But in Kolkata, he found that the celebration is also about peace, love, fun and frolic.
Soaking in the spirit
While the likes of Nicola Nira, a musician from Germany who arrived only on Sunday, was checking out where and how to celebrate the Christmas in the city, few who arrived days ahead are already a part of the festival. On Sunday evening, Kennedy couple Mike and Pat was found following a Dragon dance procession on Park Street.
The couple from Seattle is in town visiting their daughter Wendy who works in Kolkata. They followed the procession to Allen Park to be a part of the Kolkata Christmas festival. "I am impressed with the beautifully lit up and decorated street. We have come to the Allen Park to hear Christmas carols," said Mike.
The Chinese community showcased a Dragon dance procession on Park Street as a part of the festival. The colourful procession was a show stealer. "There is so much of frenzy and happiness all around. So presenting the Dragon dance procession was our way of contributing to the festival that binds all communities," said Xie Ying Xing, a Chinese community leader from Tangra.
