Abu Dhabi: Christmas Bazaar of St Joseph’s Parish, an Enjoyable Experience
Report: Inez D'Cunha
Pics: Praveen Kumar
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi (SP)
Abu Dhabi, Dec 12: Christmas Bazaar, an annual event being organized at St Joseph’s parish, Abu Dhabi, is looked forward to by every parishioner. This is held during the advent season, heralding the spirit of Christmas. It is an event where all the parishioners, irrespective of their nationality, come together as one big family, driven by the urge to raise funds for a noble cause, i.e., to help the less fortunate brethren across the world, which is the true spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Bazaar - 2009 was held on Friday December 11, at the St Joseph’s Church compound with a spirit of great joy. Bishop Paul Hinder inaugurated Christmas Bazaar at approximately 10 am, by cutting the ceremonial ribbon and declaring the Bazaar open. He wished everyone a joyous day. Fr Savarimuthu and the other parish priests and sisters of the St Joseph’s Convent graced the occasion. They were honoured with floral bouquets. An exceptionally large crowd had gathered for the inauguration.
The day’s proceedings were then handed over to the creative master of ceremonies, Parvez De Souza and Leann Vas, who ushered in Santa Claus in a unique fashion, after narrating a brief history of Santa. Santa then made a dramatic entry, accompanied by elves and the ‘Children of the World’. The children were dressed in traditional national costumes from around the world, representing people of various nationalities within the Abu Dhabi parish. They released balloons in the air. This was quite the highlight of the inaugural session that was enjoyed and cheered by all who witnessed it. Santa then mingled with the children and gave away goodies.
The church premises were aesthetically decorated for the event. There was a colourful Christmas Tree, a life-size dancing Santa at the entrance, and neatly erected and well decorated stalls. The choir sang lovely carols, bringing in the Christmas tide. All these set the perfect mood for celebrating Christmas. It was very obvious that all the members of the organizing committee and volunteers, led by the general convener, the dynamic Dolphy Vas, had put in unstinted efforts in organizing this mega event, which has only been getting better with each passing year!
The festivities went on since morning, tikll late hours in the evening. The fun ranged from delicious food, interesting games, cartoons, movies to lucky draws, face painting, pictures with Santa and prizes galore. One could have traditional food delicacies from across the world, or even carry home food in takeaway packs. The games like hitting the pot, pick and win, spin and win, safari adventure, basket ball etc., were very exciting and there were attractive prizes to be won.
The DJ played the choicest music throughout the day. In addition, there was live singing and stage shows that entertained one and all. There were Christmas souvenirs and colourful balloons sold at the stalls. One could even have family pictures taken with Santa. There was a grand raffle draw with mega prizes to be won including a Nissan Tida.
It was indeed a very happy and joyous day. The sight of the young and old alike, enjoying at various stalls, some others expressing their joy on meeting their friends and relatives after a long time in this otherwise busy world, gave a pleasant experience. The air was filled with merriment. One could see people just relaxed and having a great time.
The weather was favourable most of the day, just as one would have wanted it to be. As the evening unfolded, there were light winter showers, but later, they turned heavier and dampened the place but not the spirit of the parishioners. Every one cooperated and followed the instructions given by the MC. The timely decisions taken by the organizers and the wholehearted cooperation extended by everyone, helped the organizers to wind up the Bazaar in a smooth manner at about 9:30 pm, with the Grand Raffle draw. Dolphy Vas expressed his heartfelt thanks to one and all for the success of the event. People surely went home with a memorable experience of Christmas Bazaar - 2009.