MARGAO: The pandemic has affected Christmas celebrations very drastically and this can be seen in the sharp decrease in the huge cribs that used to be put up at different places in Margao. Many places do not have the crib that used to adorn those premises earlier and even the few that are put up are downsized.
The District Police headquarters that usually had very interesting cribs prepared for Christmas, has not put up one this year.
Similarly the cribs at the SGPDA market or KTC bus stand are missing this year.
While Holy Spirit Church has not prepared the crib outside the church, it has a small one inside, while Grace Church has prepared an elaborate crib outside.
There’s a traditional crib prepared outside the St Francis Xavier Chapel; while the St Sebastian Church at Aquem has prepared a crib using thermocol cut outs next to the church premises. The display of a reindeer standing amidst snow covered trees put up at the road junction outside the church, is truly impressive.
Our Lady of Rosary Church at Navelim has put up a traditional styled crib in its small garden.
The Margao Municipal Council workers have prepared an elaborate crib under the huge Christmas tree in the municipal park. Unfortunately, it’s not open to people as the park is closed. The Gandhi Market Association have prepared a tiny crib that’s seen just as one enters the market, while the Old Market vendors have also prepared a crib that’s kept covered.