AGARTALA, Dec 16 (TIWN): With the countdown for New Year and Christmas festivities beginning, Agartala is ready to embrace the celebrations, decked up in twinkling lights and decorations adorning its buildings and streets.

Already gripped in the Yuletide spirit, streets of Agartala are exhibiting an array of Christmas items in decorated shops and makeshift kiosks, especially put up for the festive season. With winter chill adding to the revelry, people are also getting ready for a weeklong celebration.

Shopkeepers are also doing their best to ensure maximum footfall. Special shops for Xmas are selling Santa Claus masks, small Santa figurines, dolls, Christmas tree, stars of different sizes and even Santa costumes.

“Stars and Santa masks are the highest selling items this year, followed by varieties of Santa Claus and decorative items for Xmas trees. People of all religions and age groups are purchasing Christmas items,” said Anoy Roy, who has put up a Christmas merchandise stall in Sukantala road of Agartala.

City churches are also gearing up as the favorite season, Christmas is round the corner. It is not too far and parishioners have already begun decking up the church premises. To add to the festive fervor and excitement, churches around the city have organised various competitions. From making cribs to decorative stars, it is a gala time as they welcome this season.  Don Bosco School is also going to organize various functions to mark the celebration ceremony of Christmas.

Yuletide is the most awaited time of the year, as kids wait for Santa to come with gift and for adults it is all about socialising within the community. One of the churches has chalked down quite a few activities for the kids, the youth and the senior citizens.