Why the Grand South Indian Christmas should be about Neer Dosa and Malabar Parotta

And the Dragon dance and Burmese Khow Suey!
Why the Grand South Indian Christmas should be about Neer Dosa and Malabar Parotta
Why the Grand South Indian Christmas should be about Neer Dosa and Malabar Parotta
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The Christmas-New Year season is not the same all across the world. In south India, Christmas is an eclectic mix spun around its European heart: some fine plum cake and wine, the local culture and, of course, the irresistible spices which characterise the peninsula.

There are some interesting customs too. For instance, at Fort Kochi in Kerala, soon after Christmas, effigies of an old man looking like Santa Claus pop up all over the town. This Christmas papa, endearingly called papaanji, apparently means ‘grandfather’ in Portuguese, but is not the same as Santa Claus. On New Year’s Eve, the effigy is burnt down as fireworks light up the sky.

Christmas is a popular festival, even among those who are not Christian. And a South Indian Christmas is a lot more than the Church, carols, plum cake and wine! But what if you had the powers to hit it all the way out of the park? Let's reimagine the South Indian Christmas this year.

Here is the most important thing about it: What should overpower the fragrance of the cake, is the aroma of the spices. 

Move over mulled wine, bring in the Neer Dosa, Malabar Parotta, Tapioca and Fish Curry. The festival down south is about relishing food from the coastal belt of south India. 

But of course, there needs to be an international forage. Along with the ginger bread, cakes and pastries, perhaps some Gourmet Italian pastas, Oriental noodles & Burmese Khow Suey?

There should be no south Indian festival without these two things – a grand procession and fantastic fireworks.

At the Grand South Indian Christmas, Santa Claus should take a tour around our neighbourhood. Friends and families dancing along, some great music. And the perfect closing for the Christmas procession, we need to be gazing in amazement as thrilling showcases of shimmering light illuminate the night – fireworks!

Now, how about a colourful Oriental twist to the festivities, just like the food. Here is what we think would be apt: The Dragon Dance from China, to bring to life the spirit of new year, and the enchanting Snow Lion dance from Tibet. And, some desi tadka to it – the Mangalore Doll Dance.

This seems like one whacked-out idea of Christmas, isn’t it?

Yep. And you are going to get all of it at just one place – Wonderla (actually, 3 places – Kochi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.)

The Christmas papa at Wonderla has pulled all stops to help you experience a whole new Christmas world – along with the awesome high-thrill rides which are always around.

The added attraction to all of this? The mega show by Cochin Pradhibha and Fly Wings – you get to revel in the magical dance and music performances before you leave the park, that will rejuvenate your spirits after 7 hours of fun!

To revel in the Christmas celebration, visit Wonderla Amusement Park in your city on the dates below:

Wonderla Amusement Park, Bangalore - December 23, 2016 to January 02, 2017

Wonderla Amusement Park, Kochi- December 24, 2016 to January 02, 2017

Wonderla Amusement Park, Hyderabad - December 23, 2016 to January 01, 2017

Book your day here!

This is a TNM Marquee marketing initiative with Wonderla and has not been produced by TNM Editorial.

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