Demonetisation hits X-mas celebrations

VIJAYAWADA: All the churches in the city were illuminated with colourful lights on the eve of Christmas. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu greeted all Christians  on the eve of Christmas.  On Sunday, he will participate in Christmas celebrations at Bible Mission Grounds at Pedakakani. Special prayers have begun at 9:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Cathedral at Patamata, led by Bishop Thelagathoti Rajarao.  “Jesus Christ has given a message of love, peace, kindness and forgiveness to the world, said Bishop Rajarao in his Chirstmas message.

The famous Gunadala Mary Mata Church, St. Peter’s Cathedral at I Town and the Pejjonipeta Church, one of the oldest in Vijayawada city, have been decked up for the festival. The authorities of all these churches have made special arrangements as thousands of people would walk in to pray the Christ. However, demonetisation has hit the X-mas  celebrations this year. When compared to celebrations in previous year, people, this year, are thinking twice before spending, the shopkeepers said.

The public relations manager at Chandana Brothers, V.N.D. Prakasam said the business was down by 50 per cent this Christmas,  when compared to that in last year. the previous year. Another cloth merchant at Besant Road, Mr. Gandham Ramarao said Christmas season was very disappointing for the businessmen and we are hoping to fare better during Sankranti.