India, the land of vibrant culture and ethnicity, is known for the celebration
of a number of colorful festivals in myriad ways. In this secular nation, people
following different religions coexist in harmony. All the important festivals of
the religions are celebrated with equal pomp and gaiety. Although Hindus
predominate the total population of the country, a considerable proportion of
people are following Christianity. They celebrate Christian festivals including
Christmas, Easter and Good Friday with great enthusiasm and fanfare. Friends and
acquaintance following religions other than Christianity also eagerly take part
in the celebrations of the Christian festivals, which speaks volumes of the
unity in diversity in India.
Some places of India are well known for their celebrations of Christian
festivals. The celebration of Christian festivals in Goa, an erstwhile
Portuguese colony, is worth special mention. Some of the oldest and most
beautiful Indian churches are in Goa. Apart from the regular Christian
festivals, these churches observe auspicious days in the Christian calendar by
feasting, prayers and processions. While Goa is predominant, when it comes to
Christian festivals, other states are also equally enthusiastic about
celebrating the occasions. In many parts of the country, streets are filled with
carolers and other entertainers, during the festive season.
Christmas is the prominent Christian festival, celebrated with great fanfare all
over India. Apart from the Christians, people belonging to other religions also
take part in the celebrations of the festival, which is its specialty. Easter
and Good Friday are observed with utmost religious fervor. They also hold a
prominent position among the calendar of events in India. Holiday is declared in
schools and other educational institutions, for both the festivals. In our
related section, we have given complete information on the celebration of the
popular Christian festivals in India.
Christian Calendar 2009
NOV 2009 26 Thursday Thanksgiving Day
30 Monday St Andrews Day
DEC 2009 08 Tuesday Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25 Friday Christmas
Christian Calendar 2010
JAN 2010 01 Friday New Year
FEB 2010 14 Sunday Valentine's Day
MAR 2010 14 Sunday Mothering Sunday (UK)
28 Sunday Palm Sunday
28 Sunday Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian)
APR 2010 02 Friday Good Friday
04 Sunday Easter (Western)
04 Sunday Easter (Orthodox)
MAY 2010 09 Sunday Mother's Day
JUNE 2010 20 Sunday Father's Day
AUG 2010 01 Sunday Friendship Day
OCT 2010 31 Sunday Halloween
NOV 2010 25 Thursday Thanksgiving Day
30 Tuesday St Andrews Day
DEC 2010 02 Thursday Hanukkah (till 9th December)
08 Wednesday Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25 Saturday Christmas |
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