PANAJI
Christmas brings joy across Goa from mid-December to mid-January. Quiet villages come alive, homes glow with lights, and families prepare to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ, born to the Virgin Mary on a cold winter night. At the centre of these celebrations is a symbol seen in almost every Goan home during Christmas — the Christmas star.
The star is not just a decoration. It carries deep meaning rooted in Christian belief. It represents the Star of Bethlehem, which is believed to have guided the wise men to the birthplace of Christ and marked the beginning of a new era of hope. For this reason, the star symbolises light, guidance and faith. Even today, Christians place stars on doors and balconies to remember the birth of Jesus.
Across Goa, Christmas stars are in high demand. Some families make them at home, while others buy them from markets. Shops are filled with stars of different sizes and bright colours. Traditional star makers continue the craft, making stars for those who value handmade work and are willing to pay more for it.
Surendra Kalangutkar and Santosh Raikar, business partners, have set up stalls at New Market, the Pimpalkatta temple complex and Aquem-Alto near Vishant Theatre. Kalangutkar has been in the business for 25 years, selling decorations for Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Christmas. An ex-banker, he continued the business after his brother’s death.
“There is good demand for Christmas items like stars, crib animals, Santa Claus dresses, bells and caps,” he said. He sells handmade stars priced at Rs 700 and Rs 900, sourced from a regular craftsman at Moti Dongor. He also stocks readymade Indian-made stars priced between Rs 30 and Rs 1,000. Last year, he sold limited-edition LED stars for Rs 1,500 each.
Kalangutkar said demand has increased over the past 12–15 years due to population growth and rising incomes. However, about 30 per cent of stock often remains unsold and is stored for the next year, even though designs change. Despite this risk, retailers continue to order extra stock.
Similar experiences are shared by Sanil Bhosle, Monu Jain and Ruchi Ghadi, who make stars at home and sell them roadside at Pajifond in Margao. This is their fifth year in business. They make around 280–300 stars annually using a special transparent material made from cloth and paper. Prices range from Rs 250 to Rs 2,500 depending on size.
They use aluminium frames instead of bamboo for a smoother finish. Sales begin around December 6 and usually end by Christmas Day, with most stock sold out.
Another star maker, Dilip Sukhatankar from the Pandav Chapel area in Margao, has been crafting stars since his teenage years. Coming from a large middle-class family, he began making stars and sky lanterns to earn some income. Today, although he is well known for his coaching classes, he still makes stars — not to sell, but to gift to friends.
“For me, making stars is about gratitude,” he said, recalling the days when neighbours helped him craft stars using bamboo sticks, thread and homemade glue. Families from all religions supported his small venture. Today, he gifts stars to those families as a reminder of those humble beginnings.
Many shops selling electrical goods, mobiles and plastic items also stock readymade stars. This year, however, ‘Made in China’ items have reduced sharply, with most sellers offering older stock from previous years.
Some shops in New Market still sell traditional handmade stars. An elderly salesperson from Parodkars said customers prefer these unique designs over machine-made ones that all look alike.
Handmade stars are also available at village markets such as the Anjuna flea market, Arpora night market, Mapusa and Calangute markets, Panaji Campal Christmas bazaar, Taleigao Church square and pop-up bazaars in Assagao and Saligao.
As Christmas approaches, the festive spirit has spread across Goa, with people already greeting one another with a warm, “Merry Christmas!”
