Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Dec 24: Christmas preparations are going on well in Mangaluru as in the past years. The Mangalureans call Christmas Eve as Kuswar day. It is a day when Kuswar, the box of sweets is distributed to the dearest and nearest ones.
The shopping takes place days ahead of Christmas. Last day is reserved only for meat and vegetables.
Kuswar sales have been going on for the past two weeks. But there are many people who like last minute shopping. Heavy rush is expected on the Christmas Eve day for Kuswar and meat shopping. Most of the shops in Mangaluru where the Christians buy Christmas related things are closed on Christmas day.
People who come to Mangaluru from around the world have already arrived except the people who plan to arrive on Christmas day itself. Most of them are from Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Kuswar prices have gone up by at least 10 % from last year.
Traditionally, kidyo, nivryo, gulio, chaklyo, thukdiyo, kokkis, banana chips, rice laddoos and cakes were part of the Kuswar. But of late with the influence of globalization, new items are added. One can add any savoury or sweets to the Kuswar basket now.
The midnight masses are not celebrated anywhere in the city. Mass timings on Christmas Eve are between 7 pm to 9 pm in most of the churches in Mangaluru. Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza will celebrate the Christmas mass with Fr J B Crasta and other co-celebrants at Rosario Cathedral at 8 pm.
Weather has not been very pleasant this year with temperature going up compared to previous years. It is not proper winter yet.
Christmas celebrations in ashrams and old age homes by groups and associations have become very popular in the coastal region these days.
At Rosario Cathedral, Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu the vicar general of the diocese inaugurated the special 'Globe' crib representing the Mangaluru diocese. Fr J B Crasta, Fr Paul Sebastian D'Souza and Dolphy D’Souza the vice president of parish council were present.