Christmas
Holiday
India celebrates Christmas on December 25th, just as the rest of the world does.
The 25th of December falls on a Monday in 2024, which would make it a long weekend.
Although, Christmas is primarily a Christian tradition and predominantly celebrated in the West, India too celebrates it with grandeur all across the country.
This shows the cultural diversity of the country and people of all religion come together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas as it transcends borders and boundaries.
It is a public holiday in the country, which means all schools, colleges, and businesses remain closed.
The History and Origins of Christmas
Christmas as we celebrate it now is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible. The story of Jesus tells of how he was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph after their journey from Nazareth. Angels announced His birth to shepherds who visited Him in a stable, and wise men followed a star to present gifts. His birth marked the beginning of Christianity.
Origin of Christmas In India
Christmas celebrations in India trace back to the colonial period when European traders, colonizers, and missionaries introduced Christianity to the subcontinent.
The Portuguese were one of the first Europeans who established a presence in India during the 16th century, followed by the Dutch, French, and British.
These colonial powers not only engaged in trade but also sought to propagate Christianity, which led to building churches and establishing Christian communities across India.
The celebration of Christmas in India became a fusion of Western traditions and local rituals. All the Christmas observances were centered and themed around the native story and birth of Jesus Christ.
Churches organized special services, prayers, and musical performances and these became so popular overtime that it became a cultural phenomenon transcending religious boundaries.
The presence of European settlers and Christian communities in areas such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and West Bengal greatly influenced Christmas celebrations in India.
Christmas Celebrations Across The Country
Christmas celebrations across the country vary depending on the region, the demographics and their cultural influences. Other than the Christmas Trees, Santa Claus and hanging stockings, this is how Christmas across different cities in India looks like:
- Goa: Goa has a substantial Christian population and a history of Portuguese colonization, which makes the festival a grand affair. People decorate the churches like new brides, and midnight Mass is a solemn, joyous occasion. Traditional Goan food like sorpotel, bebinca, vindaloo and neureos are served for the festivities. Carol singing and dances like the Corridinho add to the festive spirit.
- West-Bengal: One of the most popular Christmas celebrations in the country takes place on Park Street in the city of joy, Kolkata. It is known for the food affair, the decorations, lights, choir performances, and community feasts. People across the country fly in to take a look at this grandiose, and it hosts many foreign tourists as well.
- Kerala: The Christian community in Kerala is considerably large and an important one, especially among Syrian Christians. Christmas in Kerala is observed with carol singing, religious services, and the lighting of Christmas stars (known a kathirikai or kani in Malayalam). Special meals include Christmas biryani, appam with stew and sweets like rose cookies and plum cakes.
- Tamil Nadu: Churches hold midnight Mass and people decorate their homes with lights and Christmas trees. A huge feast is served and carol singers visits neighborhoods and churches spreading joy in Tamil Nadu.
- Northeast India: Christmas celebrations are spectacular in states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. Local tribal communities blend traditional dances with Christian funds, music, and feasts. Churches are decorated beautifully and communities come together for carol singing and cultural performances.
- Other Cities: In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Punjab, Pune, Hyderabad Chennai, and Bangalore, Christmas celebrations are very classy with malls, markets, and streets being decorated with Christmas trees and lights. The usual celebrations follow in these cities with food, carols, music, and decorations.
Christmas in India is a happy time when people from different backgrounds celebrate together. In places like Punjab, where there are many Christians, Christmas is a big event with lots of excitement. Cities with lots of people from around the world, like Pune and Hyderabad, have Christmas celebrations with food, music, and decorations from different countries.
Christmas in India is about happiness, coming together, and sharing different cultures. It's a time for love, peace, and being kind to each other, no matter what religion you follow.
If you want to know more about celebrations in other parts of the world, and its history, you would enjoy reading Christmas Day.
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