Mizoram gears up to celebrate Christmas

People thronging a market in Aizawl for Christmas shopping. (NNN Photo)

•     State govt  beefs up security measures
•     Bans firecrackers during Christmas and New Year celebrations
•     Rs 5 lakh for the best street decoration in Aizawl
 

Newmai News Network
Aizawl | December 22

Even as Mizoram has geared up to celebrate Christmas, the state government has beefed up security measures. The state government has also banned firecrackers in view of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range), Lalbiakthanga Khiangte said that all police outposts on the inter-state borders have been alerted to check import of firecrackers, drugs and alcohols to ensure peaceful celebrations of Christmas and New Year. He also said that foot patrolling and mobile patrolling exercises have been conducted round the clock across the state starting from December 20, which will be continued till January 3.

Proper security arrangements have been made for the state capital. At least 10 foot patrolling groups have been created, 9 new check posts erected and 3 help desks have been opened in the state capital in view of Christmas and New Year celebration, the police officers further said. He added that police would also carry out random check on liquor, firecrackers and drugs during this festive season.  

Hectic preparations 

Meanwhile, preparations are gaining momentum in all parts of the state with churches making arrangements and families chalking out programmes for the celebrations. Communities feasting in localities are also common during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

It is worth mentioning here also that youths of different churches are seen organising Christmas carols in the streets and localities singing Christmas songs and hymns to convey the message of peace and joy. Christmas trees and wreaths also adorned almost every household.

All the churches, missionary schools and institutions are also decorated with colourful buntings and lights. In some villages, Christmas halls are constructed for gathering of people to mark the celebration.

Blend of religious and traditional fervor 

In Mizoram, which celebrated the centenary of the arrival of Christianity back in 1994, Christmas is a blend of religious and traditional fervor.

Normally, Christmas celebration begins from pre-Christmas night which in local parlance it is called “Urlawk Zan.” On this night churches hold services and congregate in Christmas halls or Kohhran Halls to sing Christmas songs and hymns.

Community feasts, which are an important tradition of the Mizos during festivities since pre-Christian era, would be held and which may continue for days depending on concerned churches while some churches will organize community feast from December 25.

Since the past few weeks people from different parts of the state swamped markets and shopping malls in the state capital and district headquarters.

No vehicle zone

Meanwhile, the state government has announced “no vehicle zone” between Chanmari and Zodin square in Aizawl from December 23 to 24 to restrict vehicular movements for  free public movements during pre-Christmas shoppings.

One of the spectacular and eye catchers of this year's pre- Christmas celebrations is the exquisite beauty of street decoration. In the state capital almost all streets are decorated with colourful buntings and lights.

The government has announced Rs 5 lakh for the best street decoration in Aizawl as part of its measure to beautify the state capital.