Sunday, September 6 dawned bright and early as the congregation of CSI St. Thomas English Church, San Thome, gathered for the Thanksgiving Service at 7.30 a.m.
The church was filled to capacity, with student-boarders from the CSI School for the Deaf in San Thome also in attendance. Their teacher, Reuben, interpreted the service in sign language. The service was led by presbyter Rev. Anitha Christian.
As part of the celebration, hand-painted gratitude cards were distributed to people who were present for this special service – they were invited to write down their blessings and tie the cards to a Gratitude Tree placed at the church entrance.
The Festival Sale was launched after the church service – it was inaugurated by a senior doctor couple, Dr Prasanna and Dr Isaac Jebaraj.
The menus at stalls included idli, idiyappam, dosai and vadai, chicken and mutton kurma, prawn curry and pork dishes. Traditional specials like viveekam (sweet idlis), drew eager customers at the Leela Moses
family stall.
Newlyweds Anderson Wesley and Joyceline drew people to their stall which sold Brownies and Tiramisu. Seven-year-old Rio won many hearts with his stall which sold bookmarks, charm bracelets and bags.
Visitors also enjoyed fresh sugarcane juice in three natural flavours, home-made mojitos and rose milk.
Handmade Christmas decorations and homemade snacks such as murukku, rose cookies and diamond cuts, popular treats in the Christian community, were among the attractions.
Henry Balachandran and Shailaja offered an assortment of cakes that left customers spoilt for choice.
The event provided boarders of the CSI School for the Deaf to enjoy the fun and tuck in some yummy snacks. Entertainment throughout the day included Tambola conducted by Sushil Venglet, raffle draws and a lively treasure hunt.
The Day concluded with the distribution of pre-booked biryani packets and the traditional tug-of-war.
- By Fabiola Jacob
