Mizoram ushers in festivities with charity drives, costume parade

Aizawl: Christmas is being celebrated in Mizoram with the true spirit of joy and religious solemnity, where carol singings are heard everywhere with people giving gifts to those in need.A Christmas costume parade led by state chief minister Lalduhoma was held in the streets of Aizawl. No vehicle zone was observed on Tuesday and Wednesday, with people wearing different costumes, including that of Santa Claus.Different corps of Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory, which organised Red Kettle Service by playing music in the streets of the capital Aizawl city, have collected over Rs 13 lakh and distributed it to poor people on Wednesday. The Salvation Army handed over Rs 1 lakh each to the Civil Hospital in Aizawl and the Zoram Medical College & Hospital at Falkawn near Aizawl, while over Rs 84,000 was given to the Mizoram Cancer hospital. Additionally, over Rs 10 lakh was distributed to a number of poor people selected by the units of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in different localities of Aizawl.Other charity organisations, groups of friends and individuals also reached out to the poor with the generosity of the Christmas spirit by distributing cash, blankets and garments as well as food —- especially to drug addicts roaming and sleeping on the pedestrian footpaths.Christmas shopping has reached its peak on Wednesday. The streets of Aizawl and other district headquarters were adorned with beautiful lights, as people thronged the streets to enjoy the decorations.The church bells ring on the night of Christmas eve with prayers and worship services being held in all the local churches, irrespective of the church denominations.