By IANS
New Delhi : With a dancing Santa Claus, lit-up Christmas trees, and a beautifully made crib in the background with various choir groups, set the mood for the festive season in the majestic Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan Thursday.
The audience, led by President Pratibha Patil, appeared to have enjoyed every note of the 16 Christmas carols sung by eight groups. Although some of the songs were in Mizo, Manipuri and Malayalam languages, the audience visibly absorbed the spirit.
While the choir groups of St. Stephens Hospital, the Centenary Methodist Church, Delhi Mizo Fellowship, St. Thomas Maarthoma Church, the Apostles Methodist Church, the Assam Regiment and the Sacred Heart Cathedral left the audience touched, moved and joyful, it was the carols by the Mozart Children Choir that left the packed Ashoka Hall mesmerised.
When the children, who have performed with the Vienna Boys, finished their Austrian music and the Calypso Noel with actions, there was a loud applause.
Even the president was seen gesturing Delhi Archbishop Vincent Concessao, who was sitting near to her, as if the music was beautiful.
But it was the dancing Santa Claus – apparently made in China – who stole the show. Placed just at the centre, it held the attention of not only children but of the elders too. After all the groups finished their music, two men dressed as Santa Claus entered the hall and distributed gifts to everyone, including the president.
People were also seen appreciating the Christmas crib that depicted the Nativity scene.
The choir groups were given an opportunity to be photographed with the president.
Church of North India (CNI)’s Delhi Bishop Sunil Kumar Singh welcomed the audience in the beautifully decorated Ashoka Hall, Concessao gave the Christmas message of peace and harmony.
Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and senior Congress leader Margarat Alva also were present on the occasion.