Christmas is an annual festival that marks the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, primarily observed on December 25. It serves as both a religious and cultural celebration embraced by billions of people worldwide. Positioned at the heart of the Christian liturgical calendar, Christmas follows the season of Advent, commencing four Sundays prior, or the Nativity Fast. It heralds the advent of Christmastide, historically spanning twelve days in the Western tradition and concluding on Twelfth Night. Christmas Day stands as a public holiday in numerous countries, revered religiously by a significant majority of Christians, and culturally embraced by many non-Christians, forming an integral part of the broader holiday season.

Historical Background of Christmas in India

Christianity was introduced to India by St. Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century, and by Portuguese, British, and French missionaries in later centuries. Over time, the celebration of Christmas spread across different regions, gaining its own unique Indian characteristics.

Christmas Celebrations in India

1. Church Services and Midnight Mass

• Midnight Mass is a central part of Christmas celebrations for Indian Christians, particularly Roman Catholics. The service is held at churches across the country on Christmas Eve, followed by the ringing of church bells to signal the arrival of Christmas.
• Churches, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata, Mount Mary Church in Mumbai, and Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, see large crowds of worshippers during this time.
• Mass typically includes readings from the Bible, carol singing, and the Nativity play depicting the birth of Jesus in a manger.

2. Decorations and Symbols

• Christmas Trees: Just like in Western traditions, Christmas trees, usually artificial in India, are decorated with lights, tinsel, stars, and ornaments.
• Cribs and Nativity Scenes: Many Indian households and churches set up cribs, which depict the scene of Jesus' birth with figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, and animals.
• Stars and Lights: Large illuminated paper stars are a prominent part of Christmas decorations, especially in states like Kerala and Goa. Homes and streets are decorated with fairy lights, and Christmas stars hang in front of houses.

3. Christmas Carols

• Singing Christmas carols is an essential part of the festivities. Many churches organize carol singing events in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Groups of carolers also visit homes to spread Christmas cheer.
• Popular carols like “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “O Holy Night” are sung in both English and regional languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam.

4. Exchanging Gifts

• The tradition of exchanging gifts is widely followed in India, especially among Christian families. People exchange gifts, cards, and sweets as a way to express love and joy during the festival.
• Santa Claus, known as Father Christmas in India, is a popular figure during the festivities, and children eagerly await his visit to bring them gifts.

5. Feasts and Special Dishes

• Christmas feasts are an integral part of the celebration, with families preparing traditional dishes unique to each region. Common dishes include:
  • Plum Cake or Fruit Cake: A rich cake made with dry fruits soaked in rum or brandy, commonly eaten during Christmas.
  • Roast Meats: Turkey, chicken, or mutton roasts are often part of the Christmas meal.
  • Sweets: Popular sweets like kulkuls, neureos, and bebinca (a Goan layered pudding) are made in Indian Christian households.
  • In southern India, especially in Kerala, traditional dishes like appam (a rice pancake) and stew are commonly served during Christmas.

Regional Celebrations of Christmas

1. Goa

• Goa, with its large Christian population, is the hub of Christmas celebrations in India. The Portuguese colonial legacy has influenced Goan traditions, making Christmas here a grand affair.
• The streets and homes are beautifully decorated, and there are lively markets selling Christmas goodies and gifts. Special midnight masses are held in historic churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
• Feasts, parties, and fireworks are a significant part of the Goan Christmas, with locals and tourists enjoying the festive atmosphere.

2. Kerala

• Kerala has a large Christian community, especially in districts like Kottayam and Kochi. In Kerala, the Christmas season is marked by star-lit streets, carol singing in local languages, and traditional dishes like achappam (rose cookies) and vellayappam (fermented rice pancakes).
• Midnight Masses are held in Kerala’s historic churches such as St. George’s Forane Church and St. Francis Church.

3. Northeast India

• The states of Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya have a significant Christian population. Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm, with carol processions, community feasts, and special programs.
• In Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, there are vibrant street decorations, and the entire city comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. People gather for church services and community events to celebrate the day.

4. Tamil Nadu and Mumbai

• In Tamil Nadu, especially in cities like Chennai, the Christian community celebrates Christmas with carols, processions, and manger displays.
• Mumbai’s large Catholic population celebrates with grandeur, and churches like Mount Mary Basilica and St. Thomas Cathedral hold special masses and festivities.

Secular Celebrations of Christmas

Though primarily a religious festival, Christmas in India has become more secular over time, with non-Christians also joining in the celebrations. Schools, offices, and shops are often decorated with Christmas themes. The festival is embraced by urban areas, and events like Christmas sales, parties, and charity drives have become common.

Government Involvement

In many states, especially those with large Christian populations like Goa, Kerala, and the northeastern states, Christmas is recognized as a major festival. It is a public holiday across the country, and government bodies sometimes participate in festivities or organize charity events during the season.

Charity and Giving Back

Many people and organizations use Christmas as a time to give back to society. Churches, NGOs, and charitable organizations often run food drives, gift donation events, and community meals for the underprivileged, embracing the message of sharing and compassion that Christmas embodies.

Conclusion

Christmas in India is a vibrant, diverse celebration that blends religious and secular traditions, reflecting the multicultural nature of the country. Whether through midnight masses, festive foods, or decorated streets, Christmas has a special place in India’s cultural calendar, uniting people across faiths in the spirit of love, generosity, and joy.