For instance, Tapasya Dhakal of Golden Gage College would hardly notice the festival until a few years ago. This time around, however, she was not only enjoying dinner with family and friends at Civil Mall in Sundhara, but had also donned a Santa Claus cap. [break]
“I saw many wearing Santa cap here, felt tempted and bought one for myself. I hope I am looking good,” said Dhakal. “I am not a Christian. Because of the government holiday Christmas now feels like our own festival.”
A girl from Bal Mandir receives gifts from man dressed as Santa Claus in Yak & Yeti Hotel. (Photo: Bijay Gajmeri)
This is also the first Christmas celebration for Suja Pandey. “I have come here just because my niece dragged me here. But I am enjoying a lot and this cap is indeed special,” she noted.
Pandey and Dhakal are among the thousands of people who have embraced the festival.
Prakash Raut who has a momo stall outside the mall did a brisk business as well, thanks to the festival. “Such a day should come every day. Business is good and I made more money than I did last year,” he said.
While everyone Republica met were in a celebratory mood, a 7-year-old Tanish Gurung of Marvelous English School in Ghattekulo seemed a bit disappointed. “Santa Claus gives surprise gifts but not here in Nepal. May be he does to in Canada or Australia,” he stated adding that he is a Christian though his mother denied it.
Meanwhile, CB Gurung, general secretary of the Federation of National Christians remarked that the growing acceptance of Christmas is a matter of pride for the Christian community in Nepal. “Participating in each others´ festival or culture promotes religious tolerance,” he said.
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