Christmas in India may not be as widespread affair as in some western country
but in India, this festival is celebrated by the Christian community across the
country with great zeal and gaiety. It is a public Holiday and is also
officially celebrated by the President of India at his residence. All the top
notch officials of Government of India offer good wishes to the people on the
occasion via media. Though the traditional festivity of Christmas to a great
extent is confined to the Christian community, the celebration has acquired a
secular tinge with time. In several parts of India, the celebrations of
Christmas are joined by people of all religions and communities.
Christmas Celebrations in India
The celebrations of Christmas in India also begin months before the arrival of
the festival. As the weather in the country at this time is also very pleasant,
the festivities and shopping also get a boost. The market in India offers its
best offer at this occasion. Apart from the availability of traditional
Christmas items for Christmas in India is also marked by traditional Christmas
rituals like Christmas carols, cakes, candles and the decoration of Christmas
tree. Throughout the country, special programs are organized at various churches
throughout the country.
Apart from the beautifully decorated market, several missionary run educational
institutions in the country also celebrate the festival with immense joy and
fervor. Also, there is a mid year vacation which is also termed as Christmas
vacation. The vacations begin shortly before Christmas and end after the New
Year celebrations. The celebrations here become grand because they combine with
the zeal of the arrival of the New Year.
Generally, on the day of Christmas, people of Christmas fraternity gather in
church for worship. Here, they attend Church services and sing carols. There is
also the concept of Midnight in India. In fact, it is a very important service
and holds great religious significance amongst the Christians of the country. On
the night of 24th December, all the Christian families attend the Midnight mass
at the local churches. The Churches in India are also decorated with the
Poinsettia flowers and candles. Feasting also forms an important part of the
Christmas celebrations.
Though the celebration of Christmas can be observed throughout India, the
customs for the celebration of Christmas vary a little depending upon the
region. For example, in contrast to the Christians in Goa and North India, the
Christians living in South India decorate banana or mango trees instead of the
traditional pine tree. Some people also decorate their houses with the
oil-burning lamps (diyas) on the rooftops of their houses. Though it would be
interesting for you to know that only 3% of the total population of India is
actually Christian but compared to this fraction, the fanfare of the Christmas
celebrations is extremely grand in India.
