Mangaluru (TOI): The aroma of freshly-baked cakes and sweets, harmonious notes of carol songs, shops and houses decorated with various kinds of stars and children busy preparing cribs — the aura of Christmas is evident in every corner of the Rome of the East.
The preface for December 25 begins four weeks well in advance, called 'advent season'. During this period, which is considered a spiritual preparation for welcoming baby Jesus Christ, special prayers are offered across all churches in both Mangaluru and Udupi dioceses.
With the spiritual preparation on, households, schools and churches are gearing up for various programmes such as carol singing, cake mixing, kuswar preparation (sweetmeats prepared during Christmas), crib and star-making competitions.
In Mangaluru, one thing that brings people of all faiths together, especially the younger folk, is carol singing competition. With the onset of Christmas season, such competitions are held in schools, colleges, churches and other institutions
Karnataka Theological College (KTC), in association with Western Institute of Technology, held various competitions including carol singing, star and goodudeepa making in the first week of December. KTC lecturer Channakeshavan B said around 15 groups participated in the carol singing contest, while three to four dozen groups took part in goodudeepa and star making.
According to a priest, carolling heralds the birth of Jesus Christ, in the run-up to Christmas.
In undivided Dakshina Kannada, there is also a tradition where youngsters from respective parishes dress up as Santa Claus and visit every household. Carollers accompany Santa Claus singing joyful carols. People gift them money and sweets, which will be used for charity.
