An exuberant wave of cheer and festivities spread across the country ahead of Christmas, as people began preparing for the festival with gusto and high spirits.
Continuing its tradition, the Le Royal Meridian Hotel in Chennai once again set the benchmark for the city’s grandest Christmas tree.
The tree is nearly 35 feet tall, and is adorned with bells, balls and stars.
The hotel’s general manager, Jennifer Buhr, told mediapersons that the tree was arguably the largest tree in Chennai.
“We have invited all our associates as well as guests to join on this very festive season to celebrate with us, as I said, the lighting of the largest Christmas tree in Chennai. It is 35 feet tall. We decorated it overnight. The carpenters made the frame in two days. It is something that we do every year and with a lot of passion and joy, because it is the first step to embrace Christmas,” said Buhr.
Festivities also prevailed in the national capital too.
The Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi, set the ball rolling by preparing a gigantic cake for the city’s underprivileged children, who were specially invited for a party with-Santa Claus.
The dreams of many children came true as Santa Claus-dressed in his trademark red dress, and long, white beard arrived at the venue, spreading cheer through his inimitable roaring laughter, and cut the special cake.
Later, many children got the opportunity to sit in Santa Claus’ lap and ask for gifts.
Christians make up around 2 percent of India's 1.2 billion strong population, with largest concentration in the southern and northeastern states.
