It’s the time of the year for peace and goodwill. The Christmas season is making its presence felt in Patna, where even though the Christian population is about 5 percent, its time for cakes, trees and celebrations.

In a way, the season was kicked off to a fine start on Saturday, 12 December, when VIVA, a network of faith-based NGOs had a joint Christmas party for a thousand children. The event was ‘Normal Anand’ a festival of pure joy. There were carols, games, dancing, and a super-fantastic magic show that had the kids giggling and clapping with joy. The children were from poor and struggling families, as well as differently abled kids. Each child received a Christmas nag of gifts, generously donated from funds collected from well-wishers. The kids were treated to a hot lunch.

Christmas carols are in the air. Patna Women’s College held its inter-departmental Christmas carol competition on Monday. The college will celebrate Christmas on 19 December with a Christmas play and programme. Students are busy practicing.

St. Xavier’s College campus at Digha is resounding with Christmas spirit. The students in all streams are busy practicing carols and other Christmas activities. Christmas is a festival of World peace and harmony. A major event will be on next Sunday, December 20, when the college holds a ‘Sadbhavna Divas’ on the occasion of Christmas. Noted speaker Ram Puniyani will deliver a lecture on pluralism and the ethos of peace and amity that have been India’s core values since time immemorial. Parents, teachers, and students will attend. 23^rd December is the day or the staff Christmas party.

In Don Bosco Academy, preparations are on for Christmas carol competitions, and other fun activities.

[prepared by intern Pragya Priyadarshini]