Kolkata, Dec 14 (IANS) Cultural programmes, students' parade and guided tour for enthusiasts will be the high water mark of the sixth edition of Christmas Festival slated to be held here from December 16-23, a West Bengal minister said here on Wednesday.
Organised by the state Tourism Department with support of Kolkata Police, the eight-day fest would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by lighting the lamp at Park street's iconic Alen Park in the presence of Archbishop of Calcutta Thomas D'Souza, MP Derek O'Brien and other delegates and dignitaries.
Along with Park street, the St. Paul's Cathedral and other major churches in the city would be extensively decorated during the festival, state Tourism Minister Gautam Deb told media persons.
"Adding to the festive flavou will be 40 community food stalls in Park Street. There will be a 'students' walk' on December 18," said Vijay Dewan, Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels - sponsors of the event.
The festival will add a new feather in its cap by organising guided tours to the famous churches in and around Kolkata on Christmas eve.
"We will have a bus tour inside the city that would cover all the major city churches while the other tour will be a night long round trip to the two famous churches of Chandannagar and Bandel in adjacent Hoogly district. Both the trips will have online payment facilities," Deb said.
"Looking at the growing enthusiasm of the foreign tourists about Mother Teresa after her sainthood, a trip to the Mother's House is also included in the tour," he added.
