Ananthapuri – the another name of capital city Thiruvananthapuram is one among the best 10 greenest cities in India and the best city to live in according to the most recent Times of India survey. Why not? Among the three cities of Kerala, it’s the only city splendid with greenery, ancient monuments including parks and palaces, lakes, seas, beaches, famous temples and a lot of spectacular scenes to watch. As it’s the capital city, it’s the central nerve of all political affairs and all ministers and MLAs of Kerala reside here. This city derived its name from ‘Ananthapadmanabhan’ meaning Vishnu is reclining on Ananthan in Palazhy (milk of sea). It’s believed that Vishnu in Anandasayanam residing in the heart of the city protects the whole city and its people from every disaster and natural calamities. Most recently this city has gained wide popularity world wide when monumental assets of Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple were partially revealed estimating it around 2 lakh crore Indian rupees, excluding its monumental value. A few words can’t conclude the significance of Ananthapuri. So, through this article, I am briefly explaining Onam celebrations of capital city. As you know, Onam is a harvest festival celebrated by every Keralite, irrespective of caste and creed and it’s known as the state festival of Kerala. Since most prominent political leaders reside in this green city, Onam celebrations are given much importance that even promotes Kerala tourism. Also, preparations are done days ahead, with commence of Malayalam new year Chingam. No doubt, all over Kerala, most expensive celebrations are done in the capital city that is also known as Trivandrum.

Main spots of attraction in a brief note

Centre of attraction of Onam celebrations is Kanakakunnu palace and museum which spreads in acres of land in the heart of the city. To keep away from polluted city, people love to spend a little time in mornings and evenings in this palace gardens and nearby museum and zoo. So, this palace is made most attractive during Onam season. ‘Kunnu’ means small hill and this palace slightly elevated from the surrounding places bring a lot of fresh air and less vehicle voices. Earlier it was a recreation palace and rest house for the king. Now, it’s under the control of Tourism department of Kerala. City Corporation and Water authority, just opposite of the palace and zoo is also decorated well. Many live concerts and dance programs of artists and celebrities related to film field are also conducted in different parts of the city. Traditional art forms are also well promoted this time. Last time, such stage shows were arranged in 18 places in the heart of the city including many auditoriums and theatres. Yet, main hubs of celebrations are Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, Kanakakunnu palace open stages and Tagore theatre. You can have a wonderful boating and sight of a lovely sunset in Veli lake also – the extreme, calm end of the city. Nicely decorated other parts of the city are Kerala Legislative Assembly, Secretariat, East fort and associated Gandhi Park, Kowdiar Palace and Kerala University. i.e. Entire public places and roads from the heart of the city – East fort to Kowdiar Palace will be decorated with jewels of light like a bride, if we are traveling in MG road through Pulimoodu, Secretariate, PMG, Vikas Bhavan, Museum and finally all roads leading to Kowdiar Palace, the place where royal family resides now.

Onam celebrations inaugurated by Chief Minister

Every year, Onam celebrations at the state capital is inaugurated by honorable Chief Minister. Normally, it’s conducted at Chandrasekharan Nair stadium with a huge crowd to applaud.  It lasts for 1 week completing with a massive colorful pageantry from Kowdiar Palace to East fort. It’s known as Onam Tourism Vaaraakhosham. Vaaram means week and Akhosham means celebrations. But celebrations of Keralites begin with Attam and lasts for 12 days. i.e. from Attam star to Chathayam, ending with Narayana Guru Jayanthi (Fourth Onam). Major venues of celebrations are Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, Kanakakunnu Palace, Sreevarahom, Akkulam, Poojappura Maidanam, Theerthapada Mandapam, Sooryakanthi Auditorium, Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan, Shanghumugham beaches, Neyyar Dam and gardens, Aruvikkara and VJT Hall. Events give more preference to cultural and traditional art and dance items of Kerala. Yet, to attract folk, they arrange live Gaanamelas of playback singers and cinematic dances of film stars. In Sooryakanthi Auditorium, only traditional art forms are presented. Yet, celebrity dancers like Sobhana and Mallika Sarabhai do perform their art items every year for which they get wide appreciations too. Trade fairs, food festivals and amusement parks are also arranged during this festival season. Yet, centre of attraction is the light show. Almost all buildings of the major roads will be well-lighted with multi-coloured stringl lights with commence of Onam Vaaraakhosham. The whole city at night appears day till the official closing ceremony of the function by the Chief Minister.

The city I saw in Uthradapaachil night

Uthradam is just one day before Thiruvonam and hence the most crowded day of the events. People will be busy in purchasing for the next day Onasadya - the vegetarian feast and gifts for their dear ones. Textiles and jewellery shops will be crowded most as it’s a wedding season too! Yet, the day before Onam is exclusively spared for Onam purchases. Flower markets are also crowded since they bring flowers for floral decoration Attam. When whole Keralites are searching the best to welcome Maveli- our beloved king, business people are well using the situation by giving people the best they want in the name of discount sales. You can see a Maveli well dressed in big junctions of the city, giving kids and adults Onam wishes.

Let me begin my journey from East fort, the heart of the city where Lord Padmanabha resides. Real decorations start from Gandhi Park and Vetti muricha kotta, popularly known as East fort. Private bus stand and Puthirikandam Maidan is just opposite of East fort and temple. Every year, art fairs and exhibitions are arranged in the maidan. As we travel towards PMG Junction through MG Road, we can see buildings of both sides decorated with multicolored serial lights. Flood lights of different colours make them more attractive. Roads become more rush when it reaches PMG Junction. Till then, we can enjoy the city lights without much traffic.

Secretariat and Kerala Legislative Assembly flooded in city lights

If you want to see beautiful Kerala, you should visit during Onam days when flowers blossom everywhere in spring with small showers, city sink in a dreamland of different colours and all people around in a jolly mood. Of all decorated buildings, I like Secretariat most. This white beauty turns colour when she is showered with different colours. When its garden trees are filled with string lights, it appears as if those are bearing fruits. Among all the buildings around, it holds its head high showing its royal beauty.

Then we pass VJT Hall, Kerala University and Chandrasekhar Stadium. Next attraction is Kerala Legislative Assembly. Its garden, as always is flooded with a lot of colours and the building itself make us stop there for a moment to watch. From here onwards, from Vikas Bhavan and Hanuman temple traffic block begins. Just a few steps away is the central attraction – Kanakakunnu Palace and amusement fair.

Kanakakunnu – the centre of attraction

Normally, traffic is diverted off from LMS, PMG to Vellayambalam to make way for the people to walk and enjoy the beauty around. Sometimes, it may take more than an hour to get a parking area for your vehicle. It’s only possible to walk through the crowd. Big screens will be placed in every big junction showing the live programs of different stadiums. In the opening door, elephants and panchavadyam are presented showing the cultural heritage of our state. When you enter the palace garden at night, it seems you are entering a dream world. Lights and cheers of people everywhere.

Mini-amusement park for kids

No doubt, the right hand side of the palace will be most crowded as it brings a lot of entertainment for people, particularly kids. Giant wheels, trains, well of death, magic etc are a few among those items just to bring a joyful mood. We can see everyone fully engaged in different plays, shouting and cheering.

Swings – Something different from last years

I think it’s for the first time swings are introduced to Onam cultural celebrations. Now, when Onam memories of kids flying in swings of the courtyard have faded, these swings are fetching something precious from our past – our own childhood. Instead of filling every branch with serial lights, hundreds of swings were tied, which was the main attraction of this year’s Onam celebrations at Kanaka Kunnu. Not only kids, senior citizens also enjoyed their Onam vacations in its true means and it was really a ‘camera shot’ sight to watch people swinging in dim lights at night. All lower branches were tied with short length swings while lengthy swings for higher branches. People really enjoyed this newly added content – hundreds of swings in each and every branch of trees in acres of land around the palace.

Food festival and live shows

Another attraction of the palace is food fest. Though different items of foods were displayed, high demand is always for Kerala traditional items like tapioca, prawns, steam cake, chicken-coconut curry, idiyappam, appam, pearl spot fish etc. Stalls of all leading hotels of the city were present as always. In an open stage, several art forms were conducted giving preference to Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kaikotti kali, Thiruvathira kali etc. Yet, mimics and ganamelas are also arranged. Flower shows are also conducted during day time.

Floral decorations to welcome Maveli

Onam is never complete without Attam. It’s a decoration made in the courtyard using seasonal flowers. Children use to gather flowers and make attam giving wings to their imagination. It begins with Attam star and ends on the tenth day with Thiruvonam. Though those attam days have faded, still people show interest to make this decoration at least on Thiruvonam day. As Kovalam belt is the major tourist centre of Thiruvananthapuram, much preference is given by local people here to make perfect attams spending a lot of time and money. It may take one and half full days to complete attam on Thiruvonam. So, they give less importance to first 8 days and will be fully concentrated on the last day of the celebrations. Thiruvonam is second Onam and festival ends only with fourth Onam. People from different parts, even Tamil Nadu are coming to Kovalam-Vizhinjam-Chappath area to see such spectacular decorations. Different shapes are curved out of clay, dried and then florally decorated taking about 30-35 hours with more than 20-30 people involved. Many such attams can be seen in the bipass road leading towards Kovalam.

Tourism Vaaraakhosham ends with colourful procession

Last, but not the least is the closing ceremony. This day is significant for a massive cultural procession from Kowdiar palace, Vellayambalam to East Fort, Pazhavangadi. Plots of different departments, schools, temples, clubs, associations etc will be displayed which bring a large mass. It may take hours to see the full procession, which exhibits all cultural, traditional and modern features of our state.

Around 100 floats participate every year and winners will be given prizes. It’s a must watch for any person, who really want to know about God’s own country. Each float will be associated with Panchavadyam, Mohini attam, Kathakali etc and chairs are put on the either sides of the road for VIPs to watch this procession. Of course, the city will be given local holiday to watch this procession. Beautifully decorated elephants, traditional art forms and lovely plots of boat race are the major attractions of this procession.

Let me conclude

It’s true Onam has lost its significance if we compare its status with ancient ages. Now, it's not an era of poverty where a proverb was told, "Kaanam vittum Onam unnanam", meaning you should celebrate Onam even after selling less-price Kanam. More importance was given to the fact that all Malayalis fill their stomaches at least on this day. Now those poverty days have gone, that we need to wait for 365 days to get full-filled stomaches. Yet, we can’t ignore the fact, even a single Malayali can’t keep himself away from celebrations. Even in the age of instant sadyas and pookkalams, people are enjoying their Onam holidays, either as a ticket to home town or a trip to foreign countries. At least for Onam, people remember their home, dear ones and their lost childhood days a lot. It’s not possible to bring those days back – yet possible to give something to the next generation, in the form of a Onam sadya, Onakodi or a get together at home. These Onam days really give such an opportunity for we people to do so. 

Celebrations are always associated with some event and if it’s something traditional, it’s sure, it’s associated with some story of Mythology. Festivals are really celebrated in hearts of people when they find some time to spare from their busy schedules for those dear ones so near to their hearts. So, truth is that no one is really bothered about the truth behind stories connected to festivals. Importance is given for its enjoyment and the pleasure it gives!

South Indians, particularly Tamilians have a special attachment towards Subramaniya –Shiva’s son whom they fondly call as Vel Muruga. He is also known as Karthikeya. Palani Subramaniya temple is very famous. Subramaniya is the elder son of Siva and Parvathy and his younger sibling is Lord Ganesha. Subramaniya was born on Karthika star in Malayalam month Vrischikam which falls between November 15 and December 15. Normally it falls on a full moon day. It’s believed that Muraga was taken care by six stars and since it’s his birthday, this occasion is really auspicious for his devotees. So they celebrate this occasion with great enthusiasm. Vaishnavaiks, the believers of Lord Vishnu celebrate this day as Vishnu Deepam while Siva devotes celebrate it as Bharani Deepam. It’s also believed that it’s the day of victory of Goddess over Narakasura and birthday of Goddess Karthyayani, another form of Parvathy.

 Thamasoma Jyothirgamaya - Diwali of South India

It can be seen as another version of Diwali- the festival of lights. Like Diwali, Thrikarthika’s message is also the same – victory of truth over sin. So, people are lighting traditional lamps known as ‘Chirad’ made of clay in their homes and temples at evening twilight. Actually children are more interested in lighting lamps than elders. Lamp is known as ‘Vilakk’ in both Malayalam and Tamil and hence lighting lamps on Karthika day of Vrischikam month is known as Karthika Vilakk.

Every temple filled with Chiraad

This festival gives the message of removing darkness by spreading light. On Thrikkarthika day, each and every temple of Kerala and Tamil Nadu celebrate the occasion by lighting lamps. In Kerala, it’s mostly concentrated towards south than north. Also, Goddess temples are celebrating it more believing it to be the birthday of Devi Karthyayani. In many temples, each and every corner will be filled with lamps at ‘Trisandhya’ time. Not only temple authorities, but devotees also light lamps in the temples. Chirad is the auspicious symbol of harmony kindling the spirit of prosperity and joy of celebrations. Payasam is prepared in temples and distributed among devotees. Thiruvinnamala temple of Tamil Nadu, situated on the top of the hills is a spectacular spot to watch on this special occasion. Here the festival is known as Annamalai deepam. In Kerala, Devi temple of Kumaranalloor of Kottayam district is most famous for Thrikarthika celebrations.

Karthika Puzhukku – Dish prepared from tubers

It’s believed that Muruga devotes should eat tuber dishes today. Normally they prepare elephant yam, sweet potato or tapioca adding grated coconut. Also, in many places cow sheds are cleaned well and decorated.

Astrologists say

According to astrologists, Vrischikam rasi is not good. So, to get rid of the difficulties of this rasi, it’s good to light lamps in temples and homes. Also, it’s believed that it can increase the strength of moon. It may be true or false, but the real fact lies in the joy of lighting lamps to get rid of darkness bringing prosperity.

Celebrations at home

Houses and premises will be kept clean. People light clay chirads everywhere in their homes – courtyard, sit-out, hall, staircase, balconies, terrace and pooja room. First they fill the lamps with oil and put cotton threads. Then, they light lamps one by one. Sometimes, bronze lamps known as Nilavilakku are also placed in the sit-out or veranda. If a group of family members is engaged in this activity, the pleasure it gives is double fold. Then having Karthika Puzhukku together in funs and gossips is something like a get together. In Tamil nadu, different lamps like Lekshmi vilakk and Pavai vilakku are arranged in a special order to give a warm welcome to chilly twilight. In Tamil Nadu, a traditional custom of giving lamps to a newly wedded bride is also followed. For her first Thrikkarthika after marriage, her mother gifts her with a new set of lamps. This custom is known as ‘Thalai Karthika’, though it’s not followed in Kerala. Gifts are exchanged and new dresses worn.
During this celebration, crackers are not used, just celebrated in peace and silence. Streets also celebrate Thrikkarthika by lighting lamps by road side. Auto stand, taxi stand, main junctions, stops etc form a part of such celebrations. Before doing this, they will clean the public place.

Holy month of fasting and Vrita for all religions

Vrischikam month is famous for its divinity and spirituality. While Hindus of South India take vritha for going to Sabarimala, it’s the holy month for Muslims. Christians also leave non-vegetarian meals as they are taking vritha for Christmas. Ekadasi and Dwadesi celebrations of Hindus are also commenced this month. It’s again lighting of lamps in temples. It’s considered as a favourable month for gaining knowledge and wisdom.

My Thrikarthika celebrations

When I came to Thrissur last year, I was surprised to know that though lights are lighten on Diwali, only a few families celebrate Karthika festival at home. But I was happy to see temples filled with deepams celebrating the occasion in grand way. Yet, as usual, I lit my chirads in the twilight praying God to fill my life with his warm blessings and lights of prosperity. When my tulsi garden and veranda were filled with small lights of joy, I could see its brightness in my daughter's eyes too!

Navaratri celebrations of Kerala begin with second month of Malayalam official calendar. Though no good functions like marriages, inaugurations etc are not conducted in the month Kanni, Navaratri celebrations begin with this month and it’s common for all states of India. It commence with Chithira star of Kanni and lasts for ten days, ending with Vijayadesami. Though Devi Durga is worshipped all over India during this auspicious occasion, Kerala gives preference to Saraswathi pooja and Vidhyarambham. Of the last three days of Navarathri, Saraswathy is worshipped in the last three days – Ashtami, Navami and Dashami.

Navaratri celebrations

As I have told, Navaratri celebrations begin on Chithira star of Kanni and lasts for 9 stars (nakshatram). It’s seen that Brahmins and people related to Tamil Nadu celebrate Navarathri celebrations more than other people. They make idols of Krishna, Rama, Saraswathy, Shiva, Parvathy, Vishnu, Lekshmi, Ganapathi, Subramaniya, Nandi etc, colour them bright and place them in their pooja rooms. For next nine days, they worship reciting poems, poojas etc to bring prosperity and happiness to the family. Decorated dolls of different deities in the pooja room is a spectacular sight to watch.

Saraswathy – Goddess of knowledge and wisdom

Yet, whole celebrations revolve around goddess of real power – knowledge. According to Hindu mythology, she is the master of knowledge. Since Dussera celebrations give the wonderful message of victory of light over darkness, it’s a nice idea to worship goddess Saraswathy during this auspicious occasion.

It’s with her grace, we got the ability to think good and speak well conquering the dark continents of ignorance. Musicians, poets, thinkers, philosophers, engineers, doctors etc are blessed with her grace. Kids before exams place their hall tickets, pens etc in front of her to get her blessings. Architects place their instruments before her. Power of true knowledge is the real power needed to conquer the whole world. She is always seen in white sari seated in a lotus in Padmasanam with Veena in her hand and opened book below her feet. A swan is always seen along with her. Her calm and pleasant look can sweep away all the darkness hidden in the deeper corners of our heart. She is one among Trishakthis along with Parvathy and Lekshmi.

Saraswathy pooja begins on Durgashtami

When whole India celebrates Durgashtami by worshipping Goddess Durga, South Indians commence their Saraswathy pooja in the evening. Though Goddess Kali or Durga is worshipped in devi temples, real celebrations is Saraswathy pooja. Since it’s the eighth day, it’s known as Ashtami and since Mahagauri is her eighth incarnation, she is worshipped.

How Saraswathi pooja is conducted

Saraswathy pooja is known as ‘Pooja Vaippu’ in Malayalam, meaning giving pooja. Idol or photo of goddess Saraswathy is decorated well with flower garlands. Normally garland made of nerium or jasmine is preferred. Then a  plantain leaf is placed in front of her, its tip pointing east direction. Then roasted rice in the form of aval and pori is placed before the goddess in the plantain leaf. Then sugar crystals known as ‘Kalkkandam’ and raisins are placed. Banana bunch is placed on the top. You can offer some fruits also. Place a little sindoor, kalabham and bhasma on one side of the leaf. Then light deepam and agarbathis. Agarbathis can be pierced in bananas. Light camphor on bhasma. Now place all text books, papers, notes,files, pencils, pens and geometric boxes in front of the goddess and pray to her to give intelligence, good memorizing power and sharp brain. Once you have placed your books for pooja, you can take them back only after completing the ritual on Vijayadesami morning, i.e. after two days.

Mahanavami is Ayudhapooja

Mahanavami – Thiruvonam star day is celebrated in south India as Ayudhapooja. While books are placed before Saraswathy on Durgashtami, weapons and instruments are placed for worship before the goddess Mahanavami evening. I still remember, soon after I gave birth to my child, I could see doctors placing their instruments before the goddess. My daughter is lucky to be born on a Mahanavami day when whole India was celebrating Deshara festival. Architects, carpenters, engineers, mechanics etc place their instruments for Saraswathi pooja.

Ceremony completes with Ponkala

Early morning of Vijayadesami, ponkala is made of rice, jaggary, coconut, raisins and cashew in an earthen pot. Bring that ponkala to pooja room as whole. Place a small plantain leaf with its tip pointing towards east. Then serve a little ponkala payasam on the plantain leaf.  Light deepam, agarbathi and camphor. Pray for a little while. Then gently hit everything placed two times as an indication of the end of the ritual. Then you can take everything back. It’s known as ‘Poojaeduppu’ in Malayalam meaning ‘taking back pooja’.

Read a few lines of the books

It’s believed if we dedicate a few minutes in reading books placed for pooja, Sarawathy devi will be pleased and will give sharp memory, intelligence and memorizing power in return. So, students do spend a little time in reading their books with full dedication. It’s true, such ceremonies give us a little more invisible power to see our set goals a little more near.

Saraswathy pooja is held in every temple of Kerala

Not only at homes, Saraswathy pooja is held in every temples of Kerala. Holy Ramayana and Holy Mahabharata will be placed. Students also give one or two of their books to be placed in the temple for Saraswathy pooja. It’s also held in schools, colleges, offices, workshops, business institutions and even in tuition centers. For anything that we want blessings from mother Saraswathy can be placed for pooja.

Pooja ends with Vijayadesami

Vijayadesami is the day of Vidhyarambham in Kerala. Kids between the age of two and three learn the first letters of alphabets on this auspicious day. Vidhyarambham also known as ezhuthiruthu in Malayalam is normally conducted before Goddess Saraswathy, the place where Saraswathi pooja is done. A religious person or a personality related to literature, arts or politics make kids write Harisree in a bowl of rice or sand, marking the beginning of his formal education.  So, cultural Kerala relates itself to Goddess Saraswathy before beginning studies. Also, it seeks blessings from the Goddess before any task to begin.

Australian Christmas is not different

Australians celebrate  Christmas s all the European or American countries celebrate Christmas in their respective countries . The only difference is that of weather there, Christmas in Australia is not snowy as this is not cold weather in December in Australia. In fact, Christmases experiences summer during December. The temperatures  are quite comfortable and different from most other places in United States of America or European countries as the mercury stays within 24 and 35 during this period. Only the state of Tasmania is a little different from other provinces in Australia.

Australia is special among most major Christmas celebrating countries

Christmas is different for Australians in the sense that  for most of the Australians this is  beginning of summer holidays. End of the school session gives students to celebrate the Christmas in a very grand style with lots of zeal as they go out for fun travel to different places for surfing, riding shopping and some of them even go to New Zeeland to celebrate an early Christmas. 

As we all know that Australia is very big in size but has a very small population of fewer than twenty million people and even these twenty million are not the native Australians but consist of people from all over the world. These people come from almost every European country and most Asian countries. With almost five million Australians born in other countries the texture of customs, rituals and way of celebrations take a different shape, custom and look altogether different depending and mixing upon their own cultures. Most Australians appreciate and enjoy such diverse and different ways of Christmas celebrations.

The changes in celebrations

The changes in ways Australians are finding during last thirty years or so, before that they were celebrating Christmas as per original British style as the English way of Christmas was the traditional way of the festival. Until thirty before every thing was almost English style typical Christmas but as the outsiders kept coming in and with migrants have become part of the continent that changed the celebrations as well as people form other countries particularly from Asian have different eating style and ways of keeping relations.

For native Australians the meaning of Christmas are changing at every passing Christmas as the traditional foods being replaced by menu brought by migrants from their countries, the traditional dinners giving ways to picnic in front yards and backyards with Barbeque replacing traditional turkey although typical foods like Chicken, duck etc are still there to be part of the menu. However, the old styled family parties may have replaced by gathering of friends and becoming fun parties with lots of heavy and expensive exchange of gifts but one big point is common that this is still the best occasion to enjoy and have fun with loved ones. Almost every one spends Christmas Eve getting ready for Christmas Day with offices having Christmas celebrations and parties although these events may take place earlier as most people want to go on leave in December.

Santa Claus may look different

I find it funny when people suggest that now Santa Claus should be replaced with snowman to bring some difference to the weather besides the dress Santa wears for the occasion sends streams of sweat down the spine. Seriously, I am planning a letter to Santa to change into some thing cozier and cool. He is too overworked bringing gifts for our children so heavily attired. I hope that would happen soon as some people have already started doing that while playing Santa. Maybe you see Santa in a casuals this Christmas day or night. However, Santa would be able to bring more gifts for children as he would have lesser weight in shape of clothes or he may come driving a truck full of gifts for dear children. Now more children can have a joy ride with Santa as his sleigh has lesser space.

Christmas in Sydney 

I live in Sydney whenever I am in Australia where the first ever Australian Christmas was celebrated by British Governor with other guests mostly administrators from different departments. They had a dinner royal with old rare wines but the natives, mostly prisoners were no parts of the celebration who were allotted the regular diet of bread as usual. Now the things have changed entirely as the Lord Mayor shares a Christmas message and Santa Claus comes to attend all the way from North Pole. 

Sydney considered as the best shopping area during Christmas transformed totally with every Plaza, shopping malls and galleries converted with a new look with all wooden furniture polished,  buildings painted and stalked well with different new varieties for needs of every one including the lavish buyers with planned shopping to last minute customers. The market stocked full of garments, food and gift items to cater to every need and pocket. Although most people know and avoid over buying but this festival is some thing different altogether that inspires them to whatever they can put on their shopping carts.

Most people are busy preparing for big day

This is beginning of the festival season allover the world and festivals fever is catching on, on most of us. Companies have started their strategies and announcing special offers and discounts to bring more people to flock the markets. In fact people have already busy updating  their shopping lists.  Children are most anxious to have their wish lists included in the lists prepared by parents so that they are not left behind while the actual day comes. Most people are preparing the lists of friends and gifts for them. The list of friends for the Christmas Eve has already started taking shape. Children taking an active part doing the decoration work in place with great excitement.

The homes are also having a new look with decorations already planned, order for Christmas tree placed and decoration items almost ready, although in Australia the trend of Christmas tree is not as popular as in American or European societies where the snow falls regularly. 

Australians are true Christians

Australians know the true meaning of being Christian and celebrate Christmas with true values of as the Christians should celebrate the festival in its traditional way and with the message of peace the son of God Jesus Christ choose for them. On Christmas Day, as everywhere else Christians do celebrate Birth date of Jesus Christ according to traditions of their church. As we know that Catholics generally attend midnight mass, that begins at midnight and leads to Christmas Day. The Australians may belong to different churches, always make it a point to attend a midnight prayer session and then they get a few hours sleep after their hectic Christmas Eve. They always try to getup in the morning to make it to church to attend the mass with friends and relatives.