JENIFER FERNANDES
joseph@herald-goa.com
aldona: Shashikant Bandodkar, a resident of Carona, has been lighting up Christmas for nearly a decade with his vibrant, handcrafted stars. Known for his dedication to preserving the festive charm, Shashikant takes pride in spreading joy and celebrating the season through his creations. Every year, as the Christmas season approaches, his workshop buzzes with activity, as he prepares dozens of stars in various sizes and designs.
Shashikant's journey in star-making began with a heartfelt desire to contribute to the community’s celebrations. "I wanted to bring happiness to people during Christmas. Seeing the joy on their faces when they take my stars fills me with satisfaction," he shares. This year, he has outdone himself again, preparing both ready-to-use stars and plain ones, which allow children the freedom to decorate them as they wish. The uniqueness of his stars is in their handmade quality—crafted from bamboo, kite paper, and simple thread.
Though star-making is a demanding process, he is driven by the joy it brings others. The quality of his stars is important to him—he believes each one should be strong and able to last long enough to be a meaningful part of the season’s celebrations. His daughter-in-law assists him in his work, lending a helping hand during the busy months as he continues to make stars for both new customers and those returning for more.
Shashikant’s motivation to make stars every year stems from his love for the community’s Christmas traditions. "During the Christmas season, people are busy making sweets, decorating homes, and preparing for the holiday. I wanted to contribute by making stars, cribs, and adding to the festive spirit," he explains. What started as a personal hobby has now become a much-loved tradition in his village. “It’s just the beginning. I want to make even more stars in the future, spreading the Christmas cheer across the village," he adds.