Ranchi
Preparations and celebrations leading to Christmas are in full swing in Jharkhand, where tribals following Christianity are in considerable numbers.
Contrary to the general trend, these adivasis sing Christmas carols in local tribal languages and dance to the tunes of their traditional musical instruments. It brings more inclusiveness, they point out.
Their celebrations are also no more confined to cake cutting alone. They relish traditional ‘sweets’ or ‘snacks’ like Arsha, Nimki, Thekua, Shakkarpara, Khajur and the likes as well while on their celebration spree.
Eateries serving traditional Jharkhandi cuisines are doing brisk business these days with Christmas and New Year around. They are flooded with ‘orders’ from far-flung areas. And, grape wine is a star attraction at most of the get-togethers.
Short plays related to the Birth of Jesus are being staged across the State. Several budding artists, some of whom have also gained considerable name and fame, are going door-to-door and singing carols to spread Jesus’s messages.
“Chalo re, Chalo re Bethlehem… (Come let us all go to Bethlehem),” is one of the most popular carols being heard these days.
“Hundreds of new carol albums too have surfaced on various forums of the social media. Some of them are very soothing. All are gearing up for celebrations. Jesus and his teachings are meant for all. The new carols also, somehow, have resemblances with “Sohar” of Mithila and the likes,” opined Anup Binary Tigga, Director of School of Music, Art and Training at Satya Bharti in Ranchi.
Michael of Gadatoli in Ranchi is ailing from severe back pain. He only accepts orders over phone, lying on his bed. His sons are taking care of supply of grape wine – Rs 220 per litre! “I mainly provide wine to Churches for the rituals. But, it is practically very difficult to turn away the ones approaching me in person. Those who taste my wine once, usually become my permanent customers,” he boasts.
Prema of Lalpur too is faced with great difficulties while fulfilling the demand for Arshas and Nimkis. “Those who have tasted my eats once, usually take pride in walking into my home through these narrow lanes. At the moment, I have no plan to expand my business through different means,” she asserts.
Similarly, Shobha Toppo is extremely busy serving the traditional cuisines, especially at various gatherings and get-togethers. Various music groups and bands too are heavily preoccupied!
For his part, Archbishop Felix inaugurated the traditional Christmas Mela in Ranchi. People from all walks of life have begun thronging in from the very start. Over 90 stalls serving tribal, Chinese and Italian cuisines, garments, Christmas items, musical instruments, handicraft, play zone for children and adults, and cultural shows are pulling the visitors.
