Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Come December and it is festival time in Kerala. Keralites are fond of myths and its no wonder that Santa Claus is inevitable for the festivities.

Carol troupes are never complete without the dancing figure of Christmas Appooppan, or Christmas Father. Perhaps what makes Santa dear to the children is his hearty and simple style. See these children enjoying the company of the legendary gift bringer.

Xmas celebrations
Festivities start in the state even weeks before Christmas. Stars are hung in front of homes and shops. Streets get decked in a flourish of lights and colours.

Christmas shopping is a grand affair in the state. Shops vie each other to sell the best Christmas goods including cakes, stars, lights, tree items, Santa masks and the like.