PUNE: It was not your normal Christmas in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad this time as people missed the wintery feeling that is associated with this festival. However, the mood of the people was ‘merry’ indeed as Puneites thronged Camp to visit churches and spend time with their loved ones.
Christians thronged the churches in Pune like St Mary’s Church, St Xavier’s Church and St Patrick’s Cathedral in Camp and various churches in Khadki like All Saints Church to offer prayers and greet friends and family.
In Pimpri-Chinchwad, churches in Dapodi, Navi Sangvi, Pimpri, Nigdi, Akurdi and Chinchwad saw many believers exchanging Christmas greetings.
With the smell of freshly baked cakes and cookies, red and white Santa hats and jingles all around, Camp bathed in festive fervour as people made the most of office and school holidays.
The SGS Mall in Camp and other prominent malls in the city were jam-packed with people of all ages. Shopping, spending time with family and fun activities for children was what the people focused on.
The malls sported Christmas trees and beautiful decor. Even the staff of many shops were wearing Santa hats to welcome shoppers with attractive offers and discounts.
People were seen shopping for Christmas accessories from roadside vendors in Camp and FC Road, while those who could not go there were able to get it from all major traffic junctions where sellers were in abundance.
While traffic was easy moving for most of the day, congestion in some parts was witnessed later in the evening as holidayers went ahead with their Christmas-special dinner plans. However, there was no holiday for traffic policemen as the uniformed men were stationed at all busy junctions on duty.
“I only come to Pune for vacations and Camp gives me the best festive vibes since there are a lot of decorations around and so much to do. You can eat, you can shop and you can party. It’s one of my favourite places and during Christmas, it is even more beautiful and enjoyable,” said Vaibhavi Zanwar, a resident of Kothrud, who is studying in Ahmedabad.