Gloom descends over Thoothukudi on Christmas day

Residents of Thoothukudi district celebrate Christmas with unity despite unprecedented rains & looming crisis, donating funds to those in need.

An unusual gloom descended over the district of Thoothukudi on the day of Christmas as people were unable to spend money and celebrate in a looming crisis following the unprecedented rains that lashed the districts of Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli.

The residents of Thoothukudi district celebrate Christmas without any differences. With nearly half of the population being Christians, they irrespective of their religion involve themselves in the celebrations.

Jeyakumar, a resident of Thoothukudi, said that though people organised routine masses and prayers at night and on the day of Christmas, they lacked the usual enthusiasm and joy.

People, who had planned for joyous celebrations like musical events, grand dinners and get-togethers among others, had to drop all their plans, owing to the collapse of the whole district due to the rain, he said.

Another resident said, “Families invite their relatives from far away places to witness the celebrations at their houses and churches, but this time, though the situation improved, people were not in a mindset to experience the moment.”

Even five days after the rain, many houses in the rural areas could be seen with people pouring out water from their houses decorated with stars and festival lights.

Resonating with this, a resident of Alwarthoppu village of Srivaikuntam taluk said, “It is a nightmare every day since the rain started, as we lost everything starting from money to utensils to valuables.”