Mumbai shadow on Xmas sales
Dehradun, December 22
With two days left for Christmas, the sale of Christmas trees, Santa Claus toys and decorative items in the oldest and most famous city market, Paltan Bazar, is yet to pick up. "We have Christmas bells, balls, stars, Santa masks and soft toys but due to the Mumbai terror attack, our sales this year have been poor,” said Amit Rastogi of Ashoka Book depot. “We have Christmas trees ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 600 and decorative items such as bells, hollies, balloons and different kinds of Santas. Our sale so far has been average, but I am hopeful that it will pick up,” said Vikas of Saurabh Stationeries.

Showcasing Gorakhpur art
Haridwar, December 22
The textile mela showcasing handicrafts and hand made items from the artists of Gorakhpur is drawing a large crowd here. Organised by Textiles Ministry under the Ambedkar Hand-Sculpture Development Scheme, the exhibition-cum-sale is attracting people not only from the city itself but also from the areas around. From terracotta statues to jute articles there is something for every one.

People buy handicraft items at an exhibition in Haridwar on Monday. Tribune photo: Rameshwar 

Line of control

With no zebra crossing in place, a policeman uses a rope to regulate traffic near Kanak Chowk in Dehradun on Monday. Tribune photo: Tribune photo: Anil P. Rawat

“Rab Ne...” draws young & old
Dehradun, December 22
The craze for King Khan and Aditya Chopra movies is unabated with everyone, from youngsters to the elderly, rushing to cinema halls to view “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.”Released in the city just 10 days back, the movie is doing exceptionally well at the box office. “It is a super hit and within a week we have done a business of Rs 87,000 and all four shows are going house full,” said Chaudhary Ram Bahudar, manager, Orient Cinema.

Insurance proposal accepted by Centre, says Congress gen secy
Dehradun, December 22
All-India Mahila Congress general secretary, former mayor and National Poverty Removal Task Force Member, Manorama Dobriyal Sharma, today claimed that central government has accepted her proposal on Health Insurance Schemes and Family Health Care Schemes for unorganised sector labourers and slum dweller. She said that in the first phase, towns with more than one lakh population would be covered under the Urban Health Mission.