Pondicherry - Christmas Eve

Late that afternoon we arrived in Pondicherry. We began exploring the streets of the town, first paying a visit to Lakshmi the elephant at the temple. We walked along bustling MG Road with its many shoppers right up to its end where we reached Sacred Heart Church. The air was one of anticipation, excitedly making final preparations for the celebration of the Birth of Christ. Lights were strung up outside. Both the exterior and interior were illuminated. Large bouquets of flowers filled the altar. Inquiring about services, we were told that Mass would be performed in Tamil at midnight.

After supper including a lassi at the restaurant I had visited on my last excursion to Pondy, we headed into the quieter French Quarter. Colored kolams, some with a Christmas message were in front of a few places. Large colorful stars illuminated the doorways of many homes and businesses. Ahead of us, the Immaculate Conception Church glowed in the clear dark sky, all lit up for Christmas. Here too they were preparing for midnight Mass. Music was playing. In the courtyard of the church was a Nativity scene illuminated by nearby candles. The manger was empty, with the figure of Jesus to be added on Christmas Day. We entered a grocery store to buy water and were greeted by a Santa with plastic mask handing out inexpensive chocolate. For entertainment that evening, we watched The Muppet Christmas Carol DVD on my computer. Our first of many days of adventure had now drawn to a close.

See more photos of Pondicherry on my Flickr page

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