Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 24: People eagerly await the arrival of December because of Christmas. Preparation of special eatables that are made exclusively during the period of Christmas, begin about two weeks in advance. People get busy with the making of sweets, cakes etc. However, with the advent of modernity, we often see people preferring to buy sweets and condiments from bakery rather than preparing them at home. Because, people have no time nowadays to prepare these dishes, nor are they inclined to compromise on their diet requirements, which may go awry if large stock of eatables are kept at home.

A group of men and women from Mabukala near Brahmavar, wearing Christmas caps, have been busy preparing to celebrate Christmas in a grand way. Women of about 15 different families apart from men, students, children etc have come together to prepare special dishes. It is common for such groups of 25 to 30 people to plan in advance and join together on the appointed day for the purpose.

Special foods for Christmas like Nurie, Boram, cookies, rice laddu, Keediyom, cakes, chakkuli etc are prepared for a couple of days. Different stages of preparation is entrusted to different people. When one kneads the dough, another sees that it is properly seasoned, while another makes round balls, with the others rolling chapathis out of them and stuffing them with cashew powder, sugar, sesame seeds, grated coconut etc before folding the chapathi properly. Once this goes through the mould, the sweet purse is ready for deep frying.

Another group gets busy with making of chakkuli. Everyone happily joins hands in the preparation with enthusiasm. Although each one is busy, no one is unhappy or tired. There is no consideration of age, as people of all ages join in the fun. The group keeps itself entertained through jokes and narrating entertaining incidents.

This state of affairs came into view at the house of Andrew Margarette Tellis in Mabukala on December 15. Everyone there was enthusiastic about the arrival of Christmas.

Mabel D'Souza explains that they are celebrating Christmas in this fashion for the fourth year in succession. This activity initially had begun through a self help group, but it turned into a practice as time passed. This programme is held to pass on this rich culture to the next generation. The eatables prepared on December 24, however, are distributed to close ones and neighbours.

Gina Mary Levis said that this time around, the group has planned to make 15 kg laddu, eight kg Nurie, 12 kg chakkuli, cookies, Boram etc, which are then neatly packed in small sachets.

At a time joint family concept has almost become extinct, this kind of activity of bringing family members together and engaging them in activities which spread happiness is a laudable initiative.

This advance preparation made to welcome Christmas, organized by United Christian Association and members of self help groups, has brought to the fore cultural richness of the region's culture. The members who come together, also share the expenses connected with the preparation equally.