Christmas was marked with immense devotion and festive cheer in Jaipur on Thursday, as the city's Christian community and visitors came together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches across the Pink City were packed with faithful attendees for prayers, carol singing, and special events, creating an atmosphere of joy and reverence.
Churches Abuzz with Festive Prayers and Celebrations
The spiritual heart of the celebrations beat within Jaipur's churches. Special midnight and morning Masses were conducted at prominent places of worship including St. Xavier's Church and All Saints Church. The interiors and exteriors of these churches were adorned with colourful lights, Christmas trees, and intricate nativity scenes depicting the story of Christ's birth, immersing everyone in the yuletide spirit.
Historic City Sees Massive Influx of Tourists
Adding to the festive buzz was a significant surge in tourism. Pleasant winter weather attracted large numbers of both domestic and international tourists to Jaipur's iconic landmarks. From early morning, long queues were observed at key attractions including Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall, and Jal Mahal.
The tourist rush led to several logistical challenges. Many designated parking areas were completely full, forcing visitors to park their vehicles at considerable distances. Major roads, particularly Amer Road and Nahargarh Road, experienced persistent traffic congestion throughout the day, causing significant travel delays for many.
Markets and Hospitality Thrive in Festive Atmosphere
The festive and tourist activity provided a major boost to local commerce. Traditional markets were vibrant and crowded as shoppers sought souvenirs and gifts.
Popular shopping hubs like Bapu Bazaar, Johari Bazaar, MI Road, Tripolia Bazaar, and the C-Scheme area saw tourists enthusiastically purchasing Rajasthani handicrafts, jewellery, traditional clothing such as mojris, and other local items. The hospitality sector also flourished, with restaurants, cafes, and hotels doing brisk business by offering special Christmas menus and festive decorations.
The crowd was notably large in the GT Bazaar area of Malviya Nagar. Heavy footfall and traffic in surrounding zones like Jawahar Lal Marg, Gandhi Circle, Bajaj Nagar, and near Gaurav Tower necessitated special police arrangements to manage the congestion and ensure public safety throughout the day.
