CHENNAI: It’s not that often you find an event getting over in less than 15 minutes. Especially when an event has celebrities to grace the occasion. However, the inauguration of ‘Santa Claus in Air Balloon’, a massive decoration exclusively for Christmas, at the Express Avenue Mall lasted not more than quarter of an hour. Short and sweet though it was, the crowd at the mall couldn’t control their excitement when music director Harris Jayaraj made an entry with his wife Joyce Jayaraj.
“I’ve never been to a decoration like this before in my life,” he said, while the crowd hooted with loud cheers and applause as he spoke. “I’m overjoyed to be here,” he stated. It wasn’t just Harris who was the cynosure of all eyes. Lawrence Mire, US Consular Chief, who was the chief guest said, “I’m happy that I’m a part of this event and the decoration is indeed unique.”
Saroj Goenka, chairperson, Express Infrastructure Private Limited, who also spoke on the occasion said, “Christmas celebrations here at Express Avenue aren’t just confined to an individual but in fact an entire family, which included the shoppers, retailers and staff members to make merry.”
And while Saroj made it a point to convey that Christmas was indeed a celebration of brotherhood, Kavita Singhania, managing director, Express Avenue and Express Infrastructure Private Limited said, “Christmas is always celebrated in a grand way at Express Avenue. It also happens to be the season when we witness a lot of expatriates.”
Arati Agarwal, vice chairperson, Express Newspapers Private Limited, was present on the occasion as well.
As for the decorations, the central atrium (supposedly the biggest in Chennai) has three different airships, each one with a Santa Claus on it. The lone Santa Claus on a land mounted with gifts is something that captures our attention. The decorations, say the organisers, will be open for public viewing till January 6 next year.