Assam gears up for Christmas

Guwahati, Dec 24 (ANI): Residents in Guwahati are preparing for Christmas as memories of the October serial blasts that left at least 48 people dead and 235 injured still haunt their lives.

The shadow of the loss and sorrow still looms large over the people getting ready to welcome the festival with usual fanfare.

The people of Guwahati have chosen to cast aside the painful memories to revel in the happiness that Christmas brings with it.

Christmas trees are being set up, churches decorated and actors and choir practicing for the Christmas plays and carols to be sung during the festival are contiuning.

"I'm also a victim of the blast that happened on October 30, but in no way it is going to affect our Christmas celebrations. Christmas is not just a festival it is more than that. If you see in the spiritual sense, it conveys a message of love, message of peace, message of reconciliation in society," said Azizul Hoqu, Pastor, Punbazar Baptist Church, one of the sites of the blast.

Christmas is a time to spread joy, peace and harmony, but this time the celebrations are subdued across the country.

Several cities were rocked by serial blasts in 2008, with Mumbai attacks being the latest in the series and the shadow of the losses incurred by people have marred the festive celebrations in the country. (ANI)