Bhubaneswar Goes Gaga Over Christmas Shopping

Bhubaneswar: Christmas is just round the corner and the city is soaked in the festive spirit with shops being decked up with holly and colourful toys. On the streets, especially at traffic signals, vendors are selling Santa Claus masks and caps of all sizes, which are a major attraction for children.

With the festival approaching, city denizens are making a beeline to buy decoration items like Christmas trees and Santa Claus costumes at Satya Nagar, Unit-I, CRP, Baramunda and other places.

The Santa costumes specially are a craze among children, who can be seen pestering their parents to buy them one.

The Santa’s costume is available for Rs 150 at street side stalls and small shops, while only the cap can be bought from Rs 30 to Rs 150.

According to stall owners, musical Santa Claus is in great demand this year. “People are buying these for their homes and offices. They are priced between Rs 110 and Rs 1,200,” said Ashok Kumar Sahu, a shop owner at Satya Nagar,.

“We have Santa costumes for all age groups, from children to adults,” he said, adding that many schools that celebrate Christmas comprise the best customers.

Besides other decorations’ items are also available in the market. Miniature houses made up of bamboo are also available at Rs 1,200, while stars and lights are priced from Rs 20 to Rs 750.

Santas are available between Rs 10 and Rs 12,000 and other decoration items like balls and bells selling between Rs 50 and Rs 500.

Likewise, table trees are available from Rs 10 to Rs 50.  Most of the decoration items have been imported from Kolkata, Goa and Kerala.

“We are expecting a good business this year. Last year also we registered good sales. We have brought items worth of Rs 15 lakh this year for our shop for Chritsmas and New Year,” said Ashok.