Mumbai: Modern times continue to evolve globally but old traditions continue to remain steadfast as this year’s Christmas celebrations witnessed in Mumbai.

Christmas had its own unique touches in different parts of the city with age-old traditional nativity “Stars” and Cribs being highlighted in various areas, besides the numerous churches which observed the celebrations through prayer services including midnight mass on Christmas eve.

Mumbai’s far-off suburban area of Mira Road-Bhayandar was one such place, that shone with glittering decorated stars, even as traditional celebrants came from far-off villages like Uttan, Gorai and others in bullock carts and horse-carriages.

“We observe also the feast of St Jerome during this period and come in our own rustic transport comprising our own horses and bullocks from our farms,” said Moses Mendonsa and Adrian Pinto, who came with a 40-strong contingent of men, women and children dressed in their colourful, festive best –including wearing the traditional nine-yard sari called “Lugra” — for the picnic-like celebrations.

“After church prayers, we cook or bring our food and stay overnight here before returning home,” Mendonsa said even as the womenfolk chose a lakeside corner to spread out and enjoy their meals.

“We East Indian Christian community have been observing this festive tradition for over the decades, but we sometimes get pulled up unnecessarily by some NGOs who don’t like us using this type of traditional animal transport,” they said while pointing out that these animals are their own home-farm bred and treated like family members, including their two horses “Bansi” and “Tyson.”

Meanwhile, street vendors made booming business as the suburban roads witnessed crowds of people seeking to pick up festive bargains.

A welcome departure from the normal in Mumbai was less fireworks in celebrating Christmas as witnessed in earlier years. However, the chill in the air had people coming out in their winter clothes, despite the moderate climate warmth.