As the countdown for one of the most awaited festivals in Ranchi — Christmas has begun, English language carols have given way to Nagpuri. The regional dialect has become the favourites of local Christian population of the town; on the other, Christmas goodies like Santa Clause toys, decorative bells and balls are attracting customers from all sections.
CDs of Nagpuri Christmas carols are are available in Purulia Road and Daily Market in Main Road. Most of the songs like ‘Mata Mariyam', ‘Yeshu ke Janam Raati’ are sung by local singers Pawan, Pankaj and Monika, the prominent names in this field. Other artists include Amit Tirkey, Ashok Bhagat, Raju, Jitu, Suman and Sunil Khoya. All of them are well known local Nagpuri singers who also sing for Nagpuri films and other albums.
The Adivasi and Christian population of the state who celebrate Christmas as their main festival prefer Nagpuri Christmas songs more than the ones in English or Hindi. "The locals connect themselves better to the Nagpuri songs and Christmas carols so their demand and availability in the market is more than those in Hindi or English," said Saurav, a CD shop owner at Purulia Road.
The recording of these songs are also done in Ranchi itself. Audio CD's are available for Rs35 and video CD's for Rs45."About 3 to 4 years back, the concept of buying CD's was more popular than it is now because these days, people download any song that they want from the internet rather than paying money and buying original CD's," said a shop owner in Daily Market.
The two main Christmas markets for goodies and decorations in the capital are in Purulia Road, from Ursuline Convent School to Sarjana Chowk and in Upper Bazaar. Both the places are geared up with all kinds of Christmas goods to fascinate customers. New attractions in the market this time are huge star hangings with balls and beads in various glittering colours, candle hangings and door hanging wreaths that range from Rs350 to Rs1000. Fairy wings and hair bands can also be seen in the market. Sledging Deer models and battery operated toys of Santa clause playing guitar, drums and singing are also getting popular.
little box sets of items used to decorate a Christmas tree are additions in the gift stores. A box of Rs60 contains 3 bells, 3 stars, 3 little gift boxes, 1 sock and 2 candy sticks. Christmas trees of all sizes and prices also dominate the market. "I have been putting up my Christmas stall here for some 10 years now. The business here is good because the main customers are students. last year we had comparatively more crowd and more goods than this time because this year, many vehicles are busy in elections. More goods will be coming after December 20," said Beena Shushma Khalko, a shop owner near Sarjana Chowk in Main Road.