Santa Claus arrives in Darjeeling, earlier than Christmas

EOI, DARJEELING, DEC 20, 2022: Santa Claus has arrived in Darjeeling town few days earlier to spread the message of peace, love and harmony. 

Around 28 youths from three churches of Darjeeling with support from St. Joseph's School rode on their motor bikes from Jorebunglow, eight kms away, to the town as Santa Claus singing Carol and distributing sweets along the way.

Rector St. Joseph's School Stanley Varghese, said it was a small event to spread the message of love and peace with the Christmas festivities few days ahead.

Varghese also said two years of the Corona virus induced pandemic had curtailed Christmas and New Year celebrations and stopped tourists from travelling. 

 "We want the tourists coming to Darjeeling to be safe and that the hills welcome them. Also after two years, we want the spirit of Christmas and New Year to spread among the people," he said.

The riders stopped at the Ghoom and Darjeeling railway stations and at the Batasia Loop in between to sing carols. The event is called "Santa coming to town" and the members of the organizing group will also visit the Darjeeling district hospital and the correctional home and a few other places. "It is a two day program. Today, we rode on motorcycles to the town. Next we will visit the district hospital and the jail," said Varghese. 

With Christmas only a few days to go and the New Year, some hotels and restaurants and associations have lined up celebration events which include the traditional delicacies associated with the festivities