AGARTALA, Dec 22 (TIWN): As only 2 days left for Christmas, Tripura’s capital city Agartala has been geared up to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Markets have been decorated with various items related to Christmas. One businessman told TIWN that after the rain has gone, the business is now back to its form and sales are going up. "We are in the preparation of Christmas and we are visiting this stall to buy some items for our Christmas tree and as the rates of the petrol, gas, everything has gone up, so the rates of these items are also reaching the sky. But the items are really good," said Alice, a local resident of Mariam Nagar. However, local shop-keepers alleged loss in business this year and there is not much hope for heavy sales.

An exuberant wave of festive cheers has also gripped entire India's northeastern state of Tripura as people prepared for the festival with gusto and high spirits. Bakers in Agartala city geared up to create a mammoth Christmas cake as markets witness a heavy rush with people purchasing exclusive decorative items ahead of the festival. Christmas is a very special occasion and people prepare special dishes for the day. Indian curries and other regional delicacies make Christmas special here.

City churches are also gearing up as the favorite season, Christmas is around the corner.