Is Santa an Indian?
Yes he is, according to a famous skit on the cult BBC comedy show Goodness Gracias Me.
In the skit, a parochial Indian father explains to his daughter why Santa has to be Indian – “big beard, fat stomach, terrible suit = Indian”.
He then goes on to sing that famous Christmas song, “Ranjid the red nosed reindeer” (minor language warning).
Indian-born Amar Jit Singh, who like the fictional Indian father is a member of the Sikh religion, loves to play the role of Griffith Santa.
Every year, he goes to Betty Boo Wigs & Costumes store, owned by Betty and Mike Neville, and gets dressed up.
Santa Singh, as he likes to be called during December, said you don’t have to be Christian to appreciate the holiday.
“By wearing this outfit, I am showing we can all celebrate Christmas, no matter where you are from or what religion you practice”.
“I am a Sikh, but attended services at the Anglican cathedral. I enjoy singing the hymns”.
“We both pray to the one God”.
Mrs Neville said she loves welcoming Amar Jit Singh to her shop every year, and thinks he is sharing a positive message.
“It’s a way of bringing cultures together”.
Santa Singh said he plans to spend Christmas and New Years in Griffith, and to celebrate with his family.
Oliver Jacques
Moved to Griffith as a refugee from Sydney traffic and housing prices. Previously freelanced for The Guardian, ABC, SBS and Daily Telegraph. Email story ideas to oliver.jacques@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Moved to Griffith as a refugee from Sydney traffic and housing prices. Previously freelanced for The Guardian, ABC, SBS and Daily Telegraph. Email story ideas to oliver.jacques@fairfaxmedia.com.au
