By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 19: Basking in the soft glow of Christmas lights, the 110-year-old coniferous pine tree in the forecourt of All Saints’ Cathedral has once again become the epicentre of holiday celebrations, drawing both residents and visitors alike.
This towering marvel, revered as the tallest and oldest lit Christmas tree in the Northeast, possibly even the country, has weathered the wrath of time and nature, including the devastating 1897 Assam earthquake that left parts of the old cathedral in ruins.
Standing 80 feet tall, the majestic tree, illuminated with shimmering lights, has become a favourite backdrop for photographs. For decades, its glow has drawn hundreds of visitors each evening, offering a vivid reminder of both the festive spirit and the endurance of tradition.
Beyond the cathedral, Shillong’s streets are abuzz with the excitement of the season. Churches and chapels across the city are adorned with lights, nativity scenes, and festive wreaths, while tribal Christian communities take to the streets singing carols, spreading joy and warmth in the crisp December air.
The festive fervour spills into the city’s markets, which are alive with shoppers looking to perfect their Christmas celebrations. At Glory’s Plaza and the Tibetan Market in Khyndai Lad, young women can be seen thronging garment stores, searching for trendy jackets, boots, and woolens to pair with their festive outfits.
“December is always the best time for us,” said a shop owner at Glory’s Plaza. “The youth come looking for their winter best, and this year is no different. Sales have been great so far!”
Meanwhile, small makeshift stalls have sprouted up across areas like Laitumkhrah and Police Bazaar, selling a delightful array of decorations, from glittering baubles to handmade stars and Christmas wreaths.
“We bring these items from Assam and sell them here every Christmas,” shared a vendor at Khyndai Lad. “People love the stars and the LED fairy lights.”
Bakeries, too, are bracing for the seasonal rush, as residents place orders for plum cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats.