Series of strikes hit pre-Christmas festive mood

Kolkata, Dec 22 (UNI) Though strains of carols mingle in the wintry air signalling the advent of Christmas, the shopkeepers of the city are badly hit by series of strikes.

Frequent bandhs and political agitation seem to have hit business badly. Blaming the bandhs for the lean business this year, Md Kadir, a shopkeeper in New Market, said,''Frequent bandhs in the city have affected our business a lot. During all these years, tourists have constituted the majority of our customers, but this year they have not come.'' The shops, are decked out in red, gold and white, with Santa Claus dolls, Christmas trees of various sizes and silver bells.

''Prices are slightly higher this time and we might restrict ourselves to buying fewer decorations for the Christmas tree,'' Lisa Pereira, who is out for Christmas shopping with her daughter, said.

Decorations come in the forms of streamers, rings, bells, stars, merry Christmas signs, mistletoes, Santa Clause masks and sticks of varied colours and sizes. For those who wish to add colour to their Christmas party, the ideal pick would be an exotic looking silver bell chandelier or a huge snow-man.

Another prime attraction of this market are the cake shops, which have already crossed the 100-year mark.

UNI JYN KK/SRC PA RK1100