The choir from Mizoram sing at Chowrastha. Picture by Suman Tamang

Darjeeling, Dec. 22: Carols, mouth watering delicacies and a Santa Claus have kept the winter blues away in the hills this year.

Christmas celebrations took off on a musical note with an international choir team from Mizoram giving their premier performance at the Chowrastha last evening.

Organised by the Darjeeling Christian Youth Association, the choir was the most talked about event since king Khan’s arrival here. Thousands of residents, many Christians and many more from other communities, hidden under layers of woollens, gathered to see them perform live.

Sharing stage with the Mizo choir were local groups.

The encore performance today evening was before a sell-out crowd.

Vanlal Ngraka, who is leading the Mizo delegation, said: “We have performed in almost all parts of the country and also in New Zealand, Canada, US and Australia. We are glad that we were invited to Darjeeling to perform and were overwhelmed by the peoples’ response.”

The team of seven, including four girls are, however not professional singers.

“Zothan Mwia is the only one who has received some training at a Bangalore institute. For everybody else it is the spirit and the passion that is the driving force,” Ngraka said.

The Darjeeling Head-post office too is dressed up for the occasion.

John Samuel, Post master general, north Bengal and Sikkim, had earlier announced that the “post office had decided to reach out to the people and be a part of the their lives.” And in a bid to do just that, Santa Claus will storm the streets delivering mails and cakes throughout Darjeeling town. And Santa’s service comes at a charge of only Rs 20.

Eateries too are setting up to gel with the spirit of christmas. Streamers, Christmas trees, and carols greet customers in all the shops.

Glenary’s, a popular joint, however, has stolen the march in its bid to woo christmas revellers.

A live band has already begun performing since December 19 and there are “Christmas special” menus that “promise to be a rage right from the day there are set on the table on Christmas eve,” said Suraj Chettri, the owner of the restaurant.

“Plum cakes and roast lamb head the list of lip-smacking delicacies,” he added.