CHRISTMAS IN INDIA.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16918, 24 December 1925, Page 7

CHRISTMAS IN INDIA.

(By an Anglo-Indian.) In India, Christmas morning dawns clear and sunny, year after year. For this festival comes, in the cold season, when no rain falls, and no clouds obscure tho clear, blue sky. By six-thirty, the sun has risen, and soon after, tho “chick” (bamboocurtain) over the bedroom door is pushed aside. Then enters the barefooted ayah with the toa-trav.

While “chota-hazri” is being eaten, parcels, letters and cards arc opened. When the mistress emerges on to tho bungalow verandah, tho men servants who have been squatting on their heels, rise up and .solemnly say “Salaam ki hurra din” —“Greetings of the great day.” The distribution of gifts follows. To each of the chief servants, a woollen coat to wear in the chilly mornings and evenings, and to the servants of minor degree, a few rupees. Next comes the drive to the church over the white dusty roads. Sitting in the church with its doors and windows -wide open, one hears the. bulbuls singing lustily outside in the trees. Thoughts travel back to other Christmas Days in far-away England. How different, tho setting! All the English residents of the station arc in church. After exchanging greetings it is “au revoir” until the evening, when wo shall all meet, at dinner. Then back to the bungalow and to breakfast proper.

THE ‘ ‘ BUCKSHEESH ’ ’ QUEUE. By 10.30 a.m. Indian callers begin to arrive. Invariably the Indian gentleman says: “Mv -household sends salaams,” and then he beckons to his servant to bring forward the brass trap heaped with fruits and sweetmeats. Placing it at the Englishwoman’s feet, he will continue: “My household will feel honored if you will graciously accept this most insignificant ‘dali. ’ ” By “household” he means his wife, whose name ho never mentions in public. After listening to many honeyed words and using one’s best Hinduslanee compliments in reply, the mistress turns to the line of applicants awaiting Christmas “ bucksheesh. ” The nativo postman, the washerman, tho nightwatchman, and others whose existence one is only reminded of at each Christmas.

Finally comes the visit to the servants ’ line of houses at the back of the compound. Gifts of cloth aro distributed to the servants' wives, and sweetmeats and toys to the children. By now, 1.30 p.m.,. the sun seems very hot and glaring, in spito of the protection of a topee and umbrella. On returning, the coolness of the closed bungalow is grateful. A couple of hours’ rest proves refreshing. The tiffin-bell rings at 3.30. Later on, when tho air is cooler, tennis is indulged in. AND THEN . . . THE DINNER.

And then comes the great event of the day—tho dinner party. ■ It is made as English as possible, but instead of holly and mistletoe for decorations, there aro roses and red poinsettias. Tho proyerbial turkey—sometimes a wild peacock in disguise —plum pudding, and mince pics all nro on the menu.

Then follow music, dancing, games, and much talk, in which tho word “home” persistently intrudes. And so tho little English party have as merry a Christmas as is-possible in a foreign land away from kith and kin.