As many as 30 families (nearly 70 children included) partied at the Armenian Sports Club premises after the morning rituals at the Armenian Church of Kolkata, Newstrack India reports.
Students from the community in native Armenia and Iran, studying at the Armenian College also participated in the annual revelry.
The church, known as the the Holy Church of Nazareth and dating back to the early 18th century, was abuzz with chanting in Armenian as 150-odd members of the community gathered to start Christmas celebrations.
“Christmas is Christmas… it is mainly a family affair and all families get together for feasts. Gifts are distributed to children, and they enjoy amusements like pony rides etc.,” Peter Hyrapiet, president of the Armenian Club of Kolkata, told IANS.
The children danced their way to popular Bollywood tracks as well as joined in with the elders to enjoy their traditional folk dance.
Vahan, a student studying in the city, who is set to go back to his country, said, “It’s great to see the community integrating with the locals. We celebrate Durga puja, Western Christmas as well as our own Christmas.”
