Report: Ignatius D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Dec 24: On Thursday December 23, 2010, Christmas was celebrated meaningfully in three places i.e., Kanajar-Bailur, Ranganpalke and Palli, near here.

At 3.45 pm, the procession relating to the celebrations, which started from Kanajar Church, was led to Bailur. Lot of people in their two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers, took part in this procession. The procession was led by Santa Claus, who was riding a motor cycle. A float of the crib also accompanied the procession. The ‘Sunshine Band of Perampally’ added beauty, grandeur and elegance to the procession.

At Bailur, the programme commenced at 4.00 pm. A beautiful Christmas skit in Kannada was presented there by the ICYM and YCS units of the parish. Little children with their cute dance, added to the beauty of the skit. The dance of the Santa Claus and his team was very joyful and this item set in the festive mood. Christmas cake was thereafter distributed to everyone present. The crackers and the band inspired the people to dance to their hearts’ content. The parish priest, Fr Alwyn D’Cunha, gave a short but meaningful Christmas message. The whole programme, which lasted about 35 minutes, was conducted in Kannada.

The procession then moved on to Palli, and after reaching there at 5.10 pm, a similar programme was held there.  At 6.10 pm, the third celebration of the day was held at Ranganpalke. More than 1200 people belonging to different religions took part in these Christmas celebrations.