DIMAPUR — Come December, the urban areas of Dimapur are adorned with Christmas decorations, creating a festive atmosphere in the city.
After a three-year lull due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the grandeur of the Christmas season has returned to Dimapur, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various civil society organisations, government departments, the business community and churches.
But despite the collective endeavours of those working tirelessly to spread Christmas spirit and joy throughout Dimapur, there have, unfortunately, been incidents of vandalism and theft.
Recently, it was reported that immediately after completion of the Christmas decoration at the vertical garden near Urban Haat by the Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo, the dummy of baby Jesus went missing from the manger the following day. Additionally, there have been instances of individuals sleeping within decorated areas, causing damage to the decorations.
“There are many people who enjoy the Christmas season decorations but there are certain people who are spoiling them and the spirit of Christmas season,” said Mhonjan Humtsoe, the president of Team Better Dimapur.
The team, along with government departments, churches, business community and CSOs, has been on an overdrive, decorating the commercial capital for the festive season.
“This act of vandalism is disheartening and frustrating for everyone,” Humtsoe said.
He reiterated the sincere efforts put in by various quarters of the community in trying to bring Christmas cheer, as it is a time when families typically go out admiring the festive decorations in the city and have a good time.
“We are upset, of course, but then we can only appeal and request the people to acknowledge the effort put in by those people who worked behind the scene and take care of the decorations as one’s own and not vandalise them,” he urged.
This year more than 15 groups including Team Better Dimapur, district administration, Dimapur Municipal Council, Rural Development dept., Agri dept., Social Welfare dept., Development Authority of Nagaland; Food and Civil Supply dept., Commissioner of Police office; the Business Association of Nagas, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, civil society organisations; Town Baptist Church, Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church, Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo and Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, have worked together to light up the city at 15 junctions.
The decorations were planned and prepared by the Team Better Dimapur on the theme ‘Prince of Peace.’