Bengaluru, Dec 13: To start the joy of Christmas with shopping, on December 10, all Bengaluru roads led to Kanara Catholic Association’s much awaited Christmas Bazaar at Konkan Samudhai Bhavan.
There was a buzz of excitement as 30 stall owners set up their wares in spacious stalls, with an 8 foot tall beautifully decorated Christmas tree twinkling in the background.
The bazaar was officially opened by our Manik Award winner, Robinson D’souza, who spoke about Christmas and its meaning of giving and gratitude.
KCA carollers, guitar in hand, and headed by Luvena Rangel, serenaded the stall owners with their favourite carols.
Delicious smelling candles with fragrances like Pumpkin spice and Vanilla filled the air with warm memories of Christmas. Rum soaked fruit cake and homemade kuswar made it easy for people to pick up their goodies and be ready for the season. There were numerous curated gifts to pick from – beautiful white snowflake earrings, handmade soaps and skincare products from the Ennelle Skin and Hair care range, one of a kind Christmas décor from My Lil Christmas Store, fashionable leather jackets from Deccapel Fashions, handmade crochet products, Christmas cushion covers, runners and bed linen, wind chimes and so much more. Tired shoppers who needed a break could head to the yummy food counters. The fun continued throughout the day with Housie for the adults, a Christmas card painting competition and balloon art for the kids, a bumper hamper, and lucky draw every hour, finally the best decorated stall which went to the well-deserved duo of Austin Tellis and Flossy Lobo and best dressed stall to Merissa Rego.
The KCA committee was headed by president Adrian D’souza and his talented team who went all out to make the season memorable. Special mention must be made to Jane Pinto who identified and then coordinated with the stall owners. Neha Menezes who made all the posters, Luvena Rangel who was the MC of the first half and then handed over to vice president, Shanti Peres. Naomi Sequeira and Shanti who ably handled the Housie and the music. Ajay Fernandes, Rowan Pais, Reena Serrao and Anoop Sequeira for decor and coordination.
Our cute little elves, Rishaad and Imaara Fernandes, who ran around and sweetly cajoled the shoppers to try their luck for the bumper hamper.
All in all a day well spent.