People in Assam throng markets to buy Christmas decorations

People in Assam are thronging shops to buy decorative items for Christmas, including Christmas trees, Santa Claus dolls, stars, baubles, bells and lights, attracting customers from all faiths.

"Every year in December, we sell Christmas items as we have everything that a customer requires. Not only Christians but everybody comes to shop for Christmas," said a shopkeeper, Pravat Talukdar.

People brought Christmas trees and tinsel streamers, baubles, stars, lights, stockings, bells to decorate it.

A resident, Rajiv, said that Christmas celebrations had increased over a period of time in the northeastern state.

"People from all religions celebrate Christmas. The new generation wants to celebrate Christmas," he said.

There are few churches in Guwahati city that attract thousands of people on Christmas Eve. The Punbazar Don Bosco school church is one of the most visited churches on Christmas.

Christmas is celebrated with much pomp, gaiety and devotion across India with carol singing, cakes, candles, glittering Christmas trees and exchange of gifts.