Festive rush takes over Shillong

SHILLONG, Dec 22: The magic of Christmas has filled the air in Shillong, as the city embraces a festive mood with just a few days left for the celebrations.
Shillong has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with Christmas preparations in full swing. The streets of Police Bazar, the heart of the city, are illuminated with decorative lights, while various government and private establishments have been adorned to mark the arrival of the festive season.
A visit to different parts of the city reveals the festive spirit in full force, as people come out in large numbers for shopping, causing markets to experience a heavy rush.
The Khyndai Lad area was packed on Sunday, with hundreds gathering to admire the decorations. Families, young boys, and girls were seen taking selfies and filming videos at the iconic roundabout in the area.
The high footfall has however contributed to increased congestion in Khyndai Lad, as more hawkers have set up stalls in the area to make the most out of the demand.
Several tourists from different parts of the country have also arrived in Shillong to witness the celebrations. Iconic locations like the over 100-year-old pine tree at All Saints’ Cathedral have been illuminated from top to bottom, while the Cathedral itself glows with festive lights.
In Laitumkhrah, the streets have been decorated with Christmas-themed displays, and carol groups are making their rounds through various localities, spreading joy with evening performances.
The city streets are choked with traffic as shoppers and tourists compete for space, making last-minute purchases. Bakers are working overtime to meet the high demand for Christmas cakes.
A traffic police officer stationed at Khyndai Lad admitted that the situation becomes challenging during peak hours when hundreds of people gather to take pictures at the roundabout, causing traffic obstructions during the busy Christmas season.