Santas with a backstory spread Christmas cheer among children
Times of India | 24 December 2024
12 Kolkata: This Christmas, as celebrations and get-togethers increase, the demand for Santa Claus has skyrocketed, making him an integral part of the city's Christmas celebrations, blending seamlessly with local traditions and customs. Kolkata's Santa Clauses come from diverse backgrounds — professionals, homemakers, and even senior citizens — each inspired by unique motivations to embody the spirit of Christmas. For some, it fetches them their livelihood while for others, it is an act of giving back to society.
Salim Ahmed, whose journey as Santa began in the 1990s when his father passed away, has been booked for several parties. In the run-up to the festival, Salim, his sons, and nephews were busy hopping from one party to another, executing their Santa duties. "I have had to turn down several offers due to paucity of time," said Ahmed, a resident of Bedford Lane.
In the 1990s, his father, a Santa Claus figure in Kolkata, passed away two days before the festival. The loss was devastating, yet Salim made an extraordinary decision to honour his father's legacy. "The love for Santa Claus is reflective of Kolkata's unique ability to embrace and celebrate diverse cultures. While Christmas has traditionally been a religious festival, in Kolkata, it has evolved into a community celebration that transcends faith and boundaries," he said.
Jagruti Karia has been dressing up as Santa for the past seven years. "It makes me immensely happy bringing cheer and joy to children," said Karia. At Bow Barracks, an Anglo-Indian enclave in central Kolkata, Santa Claus, with his rosy cheeks, flowing white beard, and jolly "Ho Ho Ho", arrives in a hand-pulled rickshaw, a common mode of transport in Kolkata, turning the festivities into a unique and charming spectacle that embodies the city's unique blend of cultures.
"Santa is a symbol of joy, generosity, and the enduring spirit of Christmas. He brings happiness to children and inspires elders by reminding them of the magic of childhood, the importance of giving, and the warmth of human connection," said Rohan Das, a music teacher in a south Kolkata school who discharges the duties of Santa every Christmas.
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