Today is last working day at office and whole office is in festive mood. Some of the folks have already left for the places where they want to celebrate Christmas and remaining are all set for 10 holidays. Whole office is very well decorated as per the mood. Let's check out this Photo journey from my office in Noida. Let's check out ...
Very first photograph of this photo journey shows the reception area of our office and the photograph shows a huge pillar near reception with lovely decorations of balloons and sparkling ribbons.
Decorations were done few days back and this is what most of us noticed on entering into the office. This is outside entry to the main building. Whole path was decorated with balloons of appropriate colors.
This year I didn't get time to visit major markets/malls in Delhi which are usually decorated at very large scale during winters, specially for Christmas and New Year. Last year we visited Saket malls and there was a great environment for Christmas celebrations. Some of the photographs from last year can be seen at CHRISTMAS-2010 ...
Here is main entry into the office building, which opens into the reception area.
The popular celebratory customs associated in various countries have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian and secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift giving, Christmas music and caroling, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations, including Christmas trees, lights, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly.
These days Christmas has become one of the main day to celebrate at schools and Indian houses. Good to see that people from various religions celebrate Christmas happily with their children and loved ones. During my school days, we just knew that there is something called Christmas and now my school also celebrate Christmas with all relevant customs.
At many Indian homes decorations start one week before. Accessibility of decoration stuff is very easy, as all relevant stuff can be found on red-lights as well :) ... Markets in Delhi like Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar starts getting all the colorful stuff in November. Folks who need large amount of gifts or things like caps, go to Chandani Chowk for shopping. But it's advised to go during week-days of November.
Here is Santa of our office. A small one but brings lot of gifts :) ... Especially 10 holidays for celebrations !!!
I tried to check on web for knowing the ways Indians celebrate Christmas and found a link which mentions that Banana or Mango tree are also used for decorations instead of Pine Tree. Check out following link to know more about the Indian Celebration of Christmas - http://festivals.igiftstoindia.com/christmas/index.html
At times it seems that many Indians just forget the religious angle when it comes to celebrations, which is one of the very good thing. And all festivals are properly celebrated with appropriate customs around it.
Here we have our Christmas tree places near Reception area. There are some gifts placed around it...
Here is another blog, which talks about trends and Christmas Celebrations by Indians.
Here ends the Christmas Photo Journey from my office !!!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year !!!