Mangaluru Gears Up for a Festive Christmas Celebration

Mangaluru: As Christmas approaches, Mangaluru is brimming with festive energy. The streets and establishments are beautifully adorned with lights and decorations, while residents hustle through the final stages of their holiday shopping. The Christmas spirit extends beyond the city to the outskirts, where shops and bakeries offer a wide array of sweets, decorations, and Kuswar, a traditional festive treat.

In areas like Hampankatta, Milagres, KS Rao Road, and the central market, Christmas decorations and shopping have transformed the city into a lively, holiday-filled hub. Wilson D’Souza, a vendor near Kaikamba, shared that while people once flocked to the central business district for their Christmas shopping, traffic and parking woes have led many to opt for local spots closer to home. “The response this year is better than last. People are eager for new decorations alongside the traditional ones. Footfall is increasing daily,” he said.

Alongside decorations, the demand for traditional Christmas Kuswar and cakes is also soaring. While many families once made Kuswar at home, this tradition is fading, with bakeries now taking over. Bakery owner David Christy D’Souza noted that the demand for Kuswar is growing each year. Michael Saldanha of Crave Desserts and Bakes shared that his plum cakes are in high demand, especially after NRIs returned home. “We soak the ingredients for at least 11 months, and advance bookings have been encouraging,” he said.

This year holds extra significance for Mangaluru’s faithful, marking 2025 years since the birth of Jesus Christ. The Pope will inaugurate the Jubilee Year on December 24 at the Vatican, and the Mangalore Diocese will kick off its Jubilee celebrations on December 29, 2024.

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