Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
Christmas in India is marked by unique and diverse celebrations, reflecting the country's rich cultural tapestry despite the relatively small Christian population, which stands at 2-3%.
Mumbai, with a significant Christian community following Roman Catholic faith, and Goa, where 26% of the population practices Christianity, are among the major hubs for Christmas celebrations in India.
A notable part of Christmas celebrations is the Midnight Mass, where churches hold special services on Christmas Eve, starting around midnight. Attendees engage in prayers, carol singing, and a festive Mass.
Gift giving is a common tradition during Christmas in India. Families and friends exchange gifts as expressions of love and joy, often including traditional Indian sweets or homemade goodies.
Some people in India opt for unique tree decorations, using banana or mango trees instead of traditional Christmas Trees. In some regions, mango leaves are used to adorn homes during the festive season, adding a local touch to the celebrations.
In the southern parts of India, Christians place oil-burning clay lamps on their house roofs, symbolizing Jesus as the guiding light for everyone. This tradition carries a positive message to the community.
Goa, with its historical ties to Portugal, embraces 'Western' traditions during Christmas. Carol singing in neighbourhoods, Christmas Trees, and rich fruit cakes are integral to the festive celebrations.
alongside traditional Christmas Cake, local sweets like neureos and dodol are enjoyed during the Christmas season. Families participate in the 'consuada' tradition, making and sharing an array of sweets with friends and neighbours.
In Mumbai, Christians borrow customs from Goa, such as displaying star lanterns and setting up manger scenes. This creates a unique blend of joy and cultural richness in the city.
In north-west India, the tribal Christians of the Bhil community have a touching tradition. Leading up to Christmas, they gather nightly to sing special carols, sharing the joy of the season with nearby villages in their unique style.
In the southwestern state of Kerala, where a majority follows Christianity, traditional Catholics observe a fast from December 1st until the midnight service on the 24th. Homes are adorned with Christmas stars, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
As Christmas approaches, people in Kerala come together to craft cribs in their homes and local churches. This tradition adds to the festive spirit, making Christmas widely celebrated and cherished in the region.