Are social issues taking a back seat amidst the seasonal fiesta
Published December 3, 2009 | 
With Christmas and New Year round the corner, the first visible clues of the impending celebrations have already started dropping in. The city and its enthusiastic community is gearing themselves to soak up the fun and gaiety. Shopping festivals, arts and craft fairs, food festivals and cake decoration competitions are the latest attractions in the event calender of Kochi.
The shimmering lights bathing the streets, Christmas trees decorated with colorful add-ons and twinkling Xmas stars- everything speaks for the festive mood in the air . Markets hum with avid shoppers who shop till they drop rummaging through the countless stores that offer the latest clothes, tree decorations, cakes, wine and fire crackers.
While people make a beeline in the Spanish food fest and the steak house festivals currently on in the city, I was surprised at the lack of interest shown to the Aids prevention day campaign ( Dec 2) and the International day for disabled persons ( Dec 3), which passed off as low key affairs. While the district administration blames it on the low budget allocation, the lay man quips that they prefer fun and entertainment rather than these complex social issues, which they feel is best left to the administration to tackle. As the blame game continues, Kochi is all set to welcome yet another New year with new hopes and aspirations.
