Christmas spirit spills over Mumbai streets, markets

Mumbai: Preparations are in full swing in the city, especially in Bandra to ring in Christmas, which will be observed on Monday. Shop owners at Bandra’s Hill Road say they have stocked up on articles and food items, including fudge, chocolates, rum and wine cakes for the celebrations.

Buyers are rooting for the China-made electronic ‘Singing Christmas tree’, which shrinks and expands in the accompaniment of music, and plum cakes, said a shop owner, Salim Ahmed who runs Star Christmas Décor.

Talking to The Asian Age, shop manager of Star Shop Christmas décor, Ahmed said, “For Christmas furnishings, there is a demand of different Christmas trees. Recent talk of town is speaking-singing tree that sings songs of Christmas famous melodies, the tree blooms, shrinks and lighting add glow to the tree which cost Rs 5,500.”

“The elf jumper bauble and glitter ribbons prices start at Rs 200 and a light sculpture worth Rs 4,500 in the shape of a reindeer, snowman or a Santa sleigh.” Shop manager of Cheron, Raju Ismail said. “There are various fudges starting from cashew nut flavour to Strawberry, green apple, Bebinca, liquor and plum cake. We sell over 100 kg cakes, especially rum and wine, during this festival.”