A beautiful place to be in during Christmas

The Dooars and Terai region of North Bengal is one of the most beautiful places to visit for anyone. Evergreen tea gardens, rain forests with tall trees, perennial rivers flowing out of the Himalaya mountains, blue hills in the north and green paddy fields in the south are soothing not only to the eyes of the visitor but also to his heart and mind. The more famous tourist destinations of Darjeeling and Sikkim are its next door neighbors. What makes it yet more beautiful is its tribal population which migrated to these regions about a hundred years ago from the Chhotanagpur Plateau of central eastern India. Many of them were Christians and they kept up the practice of their faith in their new settlements against all odds. Their spiritual needs were taken care of by visiting missionaries from Kishnanagar, near Kolkata. Later, PIME fathers of Milan (Italy) were able to establish mission centers in the district of Jalpaiguri.

The Catholic Diocese of Jalpaiguri was created in 1952 with the Most Reverend Ambrose Galbiati as its first bishop. The zealous missionary bishop visited every nook and corner of his diocese and strengthened the faith of his flock. At present, there are no PIME missionaries here and the care of the diocese has been taken over by an indigenous clergy. Today, there are more than thirty parishes and mission centers and the Christian population has grown considerably. The simple hearted tribal Christians celebrate Christmas in their own way and receive the graces of the Christ’s incarnation very much like the shepherds of the Holy Bible. I had the happy privilege of living with them for many years and they were the best time of my life.

The Advent - a time of preparation

With the arrival of December, the happy mood of Christmas sets in. Young boys and girls begin to practice songs and hymns .Parishes and mission centers begin to plan how they could be decorated and how the Holy Mass could be celebrated in a more meaningful way. The four weeks of the holy Advent is a time of preparation, more importantly spiritual but also material, for the birthday celebrations of the Messiah.

The Solemn High Mass

By Christmas Eve every Christian home is decorated and every parish or village church wears a new look to welcome the new born Savior. Every family is ready with articles to prepare a special dinner on the happy day.The solemn High Mass is celebrated at midnight and in the morning. All faithful attend the Holy Mass braving the cold wind blowing down from the mountains. The choir sings and unites its joyful strains with those of the angels of heaven. The typically tribal tunes and beats compel all to sway with the rhythm and tap their feet. The lyrics depicting the night of the Savior’s birth lift everyone’s mind to the joyful height of the holy night. Here is two examples of the carols sung during the Holy Mass:

• Mariam ker kora me ka tara tim tim chamkela
• Tara na lage Prabhu Yesu chamkela.
• Yahuda desh ker Baitulam gaon me
• Tara na lage Prabhu yesu Chamkela. (What is that star which is shining in Mary’s lap? It is not a star. It is the Lord Jesus who is shining in Mary’s lap. In the country of Judea, in the village of Bethlehem, it’s the Lord Jesus who is shining like a star.)
• Charani mey sutai delaen Mariam
• Apan dular beta Yesu ke
• Charani me sutai delaen Mariam. (Mary laid her dear child in a manger Her dear child Jesus She laid her dear child in a manger)
• The incidents related with the Lord’s birth are musically commemorated in the Christmas songs. Joseph and Mary, the angels, the Magi, the star, the manger, the shepherds, the lambs all are fondly recalled in the songs.

The community dance

After the Holy Mass the community dance starts. The air resounds with singing and drumbeats. The thunderous beats of “Nagada” (a percussion musical instrument producing loud bass sound) compel everyone’s feet to dance. The girls join hands and form a chain and move with the rhythm. The boys gyrate in the middle of the circle replying to the girls’ singing. The tribal boys and girls are extremely energetic. They can go on dancing for hours at a stretch.

The Christmas dinner

The Christmas dinner is prepared in every home. The food is very simple. Every family prepares cakes which are made of rice flour or wheat flour. They are in fact cookies deep fried in some vegetable oil. The cake so famously associated with Christmas is not seen in the poor tea gardens families. Meat is an essential part of the Christmas dinner. The adults drink a brew called “handi” (in Sadri , the lingua franca among the tribals) which is a beer made from rice. This rice beer, which is known as “jhara” in Oraon and “bodek” in Mundari, contains enough alcohol to send anyone swinging like a twig in breeze.

Carol singing of a different kind

There is no carol singing like the ones we see in the cities but boys and girls visit every Christian home and present one round of dance. Every family gives homemade cookies or some money to the dance party. The dance party comes back to the churchyard and has a tea party with the cookies and hot tea served generously. This kind of dancing visits may continue for two or three days depending on the numbers of homes in the tea estate. So, the celebration may well spill on to the New Year which is a special day of thanksgiving for all Christians.

Santa Claus doesn’t come here

Santa Claus, a well known figure in other parts of the world during Christmas is a foreign entity to tribal children. Christmas tree is not found anywhere too. Gifts and card exchanges are few. In spite of these missing elements, I found the celebration of the Savior’s birth very meaningful among the tribal Christians of the Dooars and Terai. The families invite each other to share in a “love meal” or send cookies to each other as gifts. Each child gets a new dress to wear on this day. 

A pleasant weather

The weather is perfect to visit the tea estates in the festive season. The sky remains clear and the sun shines brightly in the sky. The temperature may drop down to 7 to 10 degree Celcius at night but the days may record 10 to 15 degree Celcius. The visitors may stay at hotels and lodges. But if you can arrange your stay in a parish, it would be the best possible option. The comforts may not be the best in a parish but you could have a ringside view of the celebrations.  You may have an enchanting view of the Kanchenjunga snow peak (third highest in the world) from Jalpaiguri. You may also combine your stay, if you wish, with visits to the many wild life sanctuaries in this region.

Introduction

Christmas is celebrated on the the Birth day of Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus spread the message of universal love and peace. The life of Jesus is the example of a life of selfless service to mankind and love. His story is well known across the world. Jesus was crucified by his enemies who did not understand his message. Christmas marks the remembrance of Jesus Christ. Jesus is considered as all powerful and all loving son of God.

Reason why Christmas is celebrated

It was believed that the ancient Romans worshipped the sun. During the winter season the days used to be shorter and people used to await longer days. They used to light fires and spend time awaiting the summer. As the days became longer the Romans would celebrate. To add to the celebration they declared 25th December as the birthday of Jesus and started a new tradition. Hence the 25th of every December was celebrated as Christmas. Christmas is actually the time when people propagate love, peace and the message of Jesus the Christ. It is also the time when people offer their prayers to Jesus.

How is Christmas celebrated

Christmas is celebrated with great spirit all over the world. The celebrations start from 24th December onwards and continue till the new year. Churches are elaborately decorated with lights, ribbons and balloons. Prayers are offered to Jesus for world peace and universal love. Carols are sung. streets, churches and homes are decorated with candles and cakes are distributed. Christmas trees are decorated with gifts, stars, bells etc in many homes and churches.

Santa Clause and Christmas

Santa Clause is the name of St Nicholas who was famous for giving food and gifts to the poor. With time the figure of Santa Clause assumed supernatural powers and became a favorite figure among children. A legend started stating that Santa Clause would roam the streets on Christmas distributing gifts to children and spreading the message of love and peace. Few men dress up as Santa clause and distribute gifts to children in many places to perpetuate the legend of Santa Clause.

The Christmas tree

Pine trees are decorated with gifts, bells, balloons and ribbons. Christmas is incomplete without a Christmas tree. This tree is a symbol of peace and the spirit of Christmas. All of Christmas celebrations take place before the tree. Some people buy small pine like trees and decorate them inside their homes at Christmas time.

Christmas and Shepherds 

It was said that when Jesus was born, the sky was lit up by a star. An angel descended from the sky and told shepherds that the saviour of mankind was born. The shepherds went to Jesus and offered their regards to Mary and Joseph. Therefore shepherds are considered special during the the season of Christmas.

The message and importance of Christmas

Jesus spread the message of love and peace through is life. His life was full of struggle and obstacles and ended with his crucification. Jesus displayed love even when he was being tortured and crucified. Christmas is a time when the great words and message of the christ are reviewed and celebrated.

Diwali festival is very special for the Hindu People. Apart from lights and Sweets, there is one more special importance of giving and receiving Gifts. We give gifts to our relatives and friends and make this Festival more special for us and others. But, now days it has become rather more difficult to choose Gifts. Everyone wants to give such a gift to a person who not only depend his/her personality but also his/her mood become good while receiving it. Everyone likes to have different kind of gifts. Some are crazy about the new Gadgets, while some like to receive a gift related to GOD in this festival. So, I am going to discuss about few gifts which are related to gadgets, traditional gifts,    decorative items and Eco-friendly gifts.

Traditional Gifts

Plate for Prayer

Plate for prayer is one such kind of gift, which is used in every house. So, this time you can gift to your friends or relatives a decorative plate for prayer. In Market, ready-made plates are also available.

Silver/Gold Coin of Goddess Lakshmi – Ganesh

This gift would be very special and every person would like this. In Diwali we do Pooja of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesh. Silver and Gold coin is very special and whomever is receiving will feel happy after receiving it.

Decorative Diya

We light lot of diya during Diwali and this could also become special gift if it is decorated. You can buy decorative diya from the market or if possible you could decorate few diya according to your choice. Many people love to receive this kind of gift and it decorated by your own, then the gift becomes more special.

Gifts of Gadgets

Bluetooth Dongle

If your friend or relative is interested in Technology and Internet, then you could gift them Bluetooth Dongle. This is good idea for giving gift. If the person is not having internet connection, so this would make that person happy.

USB Lamp

This would a new and special gift for the Gadget lovers. This is one kind of lamp which could be plugged into the USB port of your laptop. This will light till you work in your laptop or computer. It is one kind of study lamp, which is very useful. 

USB Vacuum Cleaner

This is not the Vacuum cleaner, which could clean your house, but it is a small portable Vacuum cleaner, which could clean your keyboard, laptop. This will not work with Electricity, but when we plug it end to the USB port of our computer. So, it could clean anything near your computer. You can also clean the cupboard, where your computer is been placed. This is very nice idea to give a gift like this. Many people don’t think about such gadgets to buy and feel lazy in buying, but these gadgets could be very useful. 

Eco-friendly Gifts

Water Clock

This could be very unique and Environment friendly gift. This clock doesn’t need any Solar Energy, neither Battery nor Electricity. This clock just needs Water, Fruit juice or cold drinks. Any liquid you want to add, you can add and see how this clock runs. It’s a nice gift to give. People love such things.

Portable Plant

Portable plant is also a very good idea for giving gifts. According to feng shui, there are many plants available which are beneficial to our house. The place also looks beautiful, where it is placed. 

Ganeshji of Jute

Jute is one plant which is used in making gifts and any gift made from Jute looks beautiful. In Market many such gifts are available. You can give a small Ganesh idol made up of Jute. 

Make perfect gifts at home

Apart from these items which I told you, you could also make a simple looking gift very attractive by decorating some items by your imaginations. This will make your gift unique from others and your relatives would be surprised to see such kind of gifts. You can make some beautiful Door Hanging (Bandhanwar) at home. Many beautiful door hanging is available in market, but the door hanging which is prepared by our own hand could also look attractive. It is very easy to make it. These Doors hanging are folding. It means that you can again use it, if used once and also it is very portable. Usually, Door hanging is prepared from Wooden Cutting. These could be in different shapes, like Pea-cock shape, Swastika Shape. First some raw work is done on it and then decoration is done. Door Hanging made from crystal, gives a different attraction. We could also make few decorative boxes and trays like Kaju Katri Tray, Dry fruits Tray.

You would have made a simple Rangoli in your house, but you can also make a Placement Rangoli, which can not only be used in giving gifts but can also be used as Wall hanging in our house. You can make a paper Lantern and gift it to somebody. Place a Candle in Lantern and gift it to somebody. Anybody would like this gift. People would be surprised to receive such gifts. Because the love, emotion, feeling we could get is from such gifts, not from ready-made gifts. You could make a beautiful flower Vase. Children can make a Pencil box or a Compass box and give it to their friends.

These are some Wonderful gifts which you could give to your friends and relatives and enjoy this festive Season with lot of Happiness.

In Festivals, Shopping is done a lot. People spend more than the budget they have. Sometimes, when they have not planned about buying, then shopping becomes a little expensive than they have thought and People buy those things which they haven’t thought. So, if you don’t want to spoil the budget of whole Month, then be ready from now.

First of all, divide your Household budget into 2 parts. 1 part is of Regular Expense. This is those expense, which you need for your daily use. This Regular Budget includes School fees of Children, Ration, Electricity Bill, Phone Bill. In the 2nd Part, put those  things which are related to Diwali like Cleaning   our house, Paint, Items for Decoration house, Buying Gifts for Relatives and friends, Buying clothes and Sweets.

After making the list, put eyes on your Salary. People who are having job, they get a fix income. If they are getting bonus on Diwali, then add that bonus to your Salary. Make sure that you have separated the Loan Installment. If you are going to face a big celebration like Marriage, then arrange it. If you want to pay Insurance or any Loan Installment, then you need to have arrangement.

Keep rule of 60%. According to this, Your Expense should not be more than 60%. Rest of 40% should be concentrated on Insurance Premium and Loan Installment and Savings.

Now concentrate on the necessary Expenses. See, which expense can be stopped or could be delayed. Remember that you can Delay few expenses from the list. Tick on items from the list, which you have bought and you could also write the money spend adjacent to the items. This will give you a clear idea, about the money you had spent.

Start Shopping from now. You would be able to know the things available in the market. Also, you could choose from various things in the market. If some items are not available, then you would have time to choose alternative.

Credit Card is one option for Shopping, Online shopping is also an alternative available

If you want to have shopping very quickly, then Credit Card could help you. As, in Diwali people spend more than the budget prepared, so credit could would be useful to you. Credit Card is one facility where you can buy your products, even if the credit is not available to you. You get an additional 1 month to pay your bills. Also, some reward points are given. Many Cards gives you facility of EMI, in which the costly items could be payed in 3 or 4 months installment. Now- a –days few online Shopping sites are available, which gives you good offers. Also you can save great amount of time, by buying products online.

This is how you could Save your money

1. Buy things in Abundance. If you would buy in larger quantity then you could get little discount. This type of buying will save your money. Look at the market or shop where you could buy most of the items. This would save your time as well as in transportation.
2. If you are going to buy furniture for your house from outside, then think a bit. Try to bring Carpenter to your home and ask him to built furniture at home. This will save your money.
3. I have seen many people who buy costly decorative items from Market. People like to buy Colorful Lamp and lighting items. If you know how to build Paper Lantern then you should not buy and make those colorful Lantern at home. Also, you could give Lantern as a gift to your relatives and friends.
4. Now a days, the sweets which are available in market are not healthy. We would never know what materials or ingredients they are using. So, it is better to prepare sweets and Snacks at home.
5. If you are giving Party, call them after Lunch. After Lunch, people would only like to have Snacks, sweets, Cold Drinks or Tea.
6. At Diwali, it is very auspicious to buy Gold. If you are going to buy gold, then try to buy some ornaments, which you can wear in festivals. You could buy other metal as well.
7. Pack your gifts at home. Wish everyone with the help of E-greeting. Now mostly, all people use Internet. So, E-greeting is also possible.
8. If you are looking at the Discount of the product, which you don’t need at this time, then rather delay the buying of that product for some time. Buy only those products which are really necessary.