Christmas: A gala time for fun-loving Anglo-Indians

Hyderabad, Dec 23: It's time for fun and frolic for the Anglo-Indian community as they prepare to celebrate Christmas in their unique style. 'Little England', as South Lalaguda area here is known, has come alive with carol singing, Christmas trees and a host of other events associated with the festival. From advent season, which starts a month before Christmas, to wine and cake making at homes to the Christmas Ball, it is merrymaking time for the Anglo-Indian community, mostly concentrated in Secunderabad. Notwithstanding their dwindling numbers, the Anglo-Indians have hung on to their traditional rituals, which set them apart from other Christians. The merrymaking starts with midnight mass in churches on the night of Dec 24. The community members visit the houses of relatives and friends and wish them. Wine-making is also an integral part of the celebrations. Every family brews the wine, mostly made from grapes. At the dance, it is not just Anglo-Indians but people from other communities also hit the floor. This year Vanny Bourne, a singer and an Anglo-Indian settled in Australia, will be performing live at the Ball to be organized by the Anglo-Indian Welfare Association. At the Ball, there will be a dance competition and also the contests for King and Queen. The spirit of Christmas that starts on Christmas eve continues till the New Year. Majority of Anglo-Indians work in railways, the postal department and defence. While a large number migrated to other countries 20-30 years ago, many in the new generation are keen to stay back due to good prospects available in India and the improvement in living standards. The population of Anglo-Indian in twin cities are estimated to be around 8,000 and about five lakh in the country. The majority of Anglo-Indians here reside in Secunderabad, which came into existence as in 1798 as a cantonment for British troops.