India has been a home to more than 100 languages, 1000s of dialects, and multitudes of cultures. And Christianity has gradually become a key part of it. As Christianity spread across the Indian subcontinent, the diversity of people turned into a diversity of celebrations. Today, each state has a unique way of celebrating Christmas. Every household has its own Christian celebrations passed down from generation to generation.
Today, there are so many unique ways of celebrating Christmas. And today, we will try to learn all these traditions. We will start by looking at the history, some unique traditions, food, and how modern India celebrates Christmas. So, here is your complete guide to Christmas celebrations in India.
Historic Roots Shaping Christmas Celebrations in India
The story of Christmas celebrations in India began in the 1st Century AD with the arrival of Christianity. According to tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle introduced Christianity to Kerala in 52 AD. These early communities quietly observed the birth of Jesus. A notable shift came in the 16th century with the Portuguese influence, especially in Goa. They introduced formal traditions such as Midnight Mass, carolling, and nativity scenes.
Later, the British helped spread customs like the Christmas tree and gift-giving across urban centres. Today, the celebration is truly Indian, blending global Christmas motifs with local customs. People decorate homes with banana leaves and clay lamps, and the festival, known as “Bada Din” in some areas, reflects the country’s cultural diversity and religious harmony.
Now that we know the history of Christmas celebrations in India, let’s take a look at some interesting and unique celebrations in the country.
Unique Christmas Traditions that make India’s “Bada Din” Truly Special
Here are 5 unique ways Indian’s celebrate “Bada Din.” These are some of the most interesting and exciting things to do when you are celebrating Christmas in India.
1. Late Night Carols and Midnight Mass
Communities from every corner of India sing carols. They travel from house to house late into the night using portable lamps. And all of this culminates in the Midnight Mass at churches adorned with poinsettias, candles, and lights, emphasising communal faith and joy. If you are an Indian Christian, this will be at the core of some of your fondest memories.
2. Star Lanterns and Clay Lamp (Diya) Decorations
Homes and churches hang massive star-shaped lanterns made from bamboo and paper on the top or at the gate. The star is lit with candles or bulbs to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem. Every Christmas, clay diyas are set in rows on the windowsills or doors of everyone’s homes. It is literally Diwali’s aesthetics with the Christmas spirit. It is a reminder of the country’s diverse culture and unity.
3. Pappanji Burning in Goa
Christmas in Goa ends on New Year’s Eve with the burning of a giant effigy called Pappanji. The effigy represents the old year and evil. Burning it symbolises the end of what was and a new beginning of what will be. This carnival-like event includes beach parties, fireworks, music, and dance, uniquely fusing Christian and local traditions.
4. Kuswar Sweet Exchange in Goa and Mangalore
Families in the Konkan region prepare and exchange “Kuswar.” It is a traditional platter of 10-15 homemade sweets and savouries such as rose cookies (sandesh), coconut laddoos, and marzipan. This ritual strengthens community bonds and spreads the “Love Thy Neighbour” message of Christ. It is a hallmark of Konkani Christmas celebrations in India.
5. Pre-Christmas Fasting in Kerala
Let’s go back to where it all began. The Syrian Christians in Kerala observe a 24-day fast. It starts from Dec 1 and ends on Dec 24, with elaborate Christmas feasts. For the 24 days, Syrian Christians abstain from meat and dairy while focusing on prayer. This fast highlights the spiritual discipline unique to this ancient community.
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The 12 Best Places in India to Experience Christmas at Its Absolute Best
Now that we know the unique ways to celebrate Christmas, let’s take a look at places you can visit.
Here are a few places you should visit:
1. Park Street
Location: Kolkata
This iconic street transforms into a spectacular urban festival, glowing brightly with thousands of fairy lights and vibrant food stalls. Live music performances and lively crowds draw families, friends, and late-night strollers seeking that perfect, infectious Christmas energy. It is the heart of Kolkata’s festive season.
2. Allen Park
Location: Kolkata
Far from the city’s rush, this relaxed spot hosts engaging carol singing sessions and exciting band performances throughout the holidays. It serves as a beautiful local haven where families and friends gather to enjoy treats, listen to music, and soak up the peaceful festive vibes away from the street’s busy glow.
3. Hill Road and Chapel Road
Location: Bandra, Mumbai
These quintessential residential lanes sparkle brilliantly. The entire lane is draped with star lanterns and festive lights. The area buzzes with activity. You will find busy shopping streets and aromatic plum cake bakeries. If you are looking for Christmas celebrations in India, it’s an ideal, atmospheric spot for casual evening strolls and lively hangouts with friends.
4. Mount Mary Basilica
Location: Bandra, Mumbai
The majestic Basilica and its surrounding lanes shine beautifully for the cherished Midnight Mass celebration. Post-service, the streets are filled with the sound of late-night carolling. The songs and laughter create an unmatched sense of community warmth. It remains a popular, spiritual, and heartwarming spot for family strolls.
5. Sacred Heart Cathedral
Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi
The grand architecture of this Cathedral draws large crowds for special Christmas Masses and services. After church, the nearby markets buzz with people. You will find people shopping for gifts and souvenirs under bright festive lights, grab a bite from a nearby eatery, or hang out in the street. It is the central spot for post-church dining, photos, and enjoying the Delhi winter.
6. Santhome Cathedral Basilica
Location: Chennai
This historic site is over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. The cathedral hosts deeply spiritual and lively services not just during Christmas but year-round. The festive energy spills out, leading visitors to take relaxing strolls along Marina Beach for street food. It offers a unique and perfect combination of spiritual reflection and enjoyable, coastal city fun.
7. St. Thomas Cathedral
Location: MG Road, Bengaluru
As a central city church, it hosts grand Christmas services that are a major focal point for the Christian community. Post-Mass, the surrounding MG Road cafes and vibrant lights attract the youth for lively hangouts. The church is known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations in India that blend devotion with modern urban flair.
8. St. Mary’s Basilica
Location: Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru
This Basilica is renowned for its vibrant decorations and the fervent Midnight Mass. The festive atmosphere extends outside, where stalls sell flowers, religious items, and festive food. The lanes fill with energetic crowds of worshippers and excited festive shoppers. Spending a winter night here fills you with a rejuvenated will to live and a new outlook on life.
9. All Saints’ Cathedral
Location: Kohima, Nagaland
Serving as a focal point for worship, this Cathedral brings the community together with heartfelt carols and services. But that’s not all! The local markets nearby light up brightly, preparing for festive feasting. It captures the unique spirit of community joy and celebration style of this beautiful hill town.
10. Christ the King Cathedral
Location: Shillong
The celebration begins with the profound Midnight Mass. The mass is traditionally followed by enjoying the dazzling lights of the nearby Police Bazaar. Festive choirs perform, and crafts markets buzz with activity, adding to the festive spirit. It is a wonderful, musical experience that offers deep, buoyant immersion and community connection.
11. Empress Garden
Location: Pune
This beautiful green space transforms during December. If you were a Christian in Pune, every 24th would mean visiting Empress Garden and enjoying a picnic with your family. The park hosts popular Christmas fairs and elaborate light displays. It becomes a central hub for relaxed community events and family-friendly activities.
12. Cansaulim Church Grounds
Location: South Goa
The church grounds come alive with vibrant local fairs. People are engaging in carol contests and enjoying delicious food stalls. Families gather to feast and celebrate with traditional dances after attending Mass. This location beautifully showcases the unique warmth and rich cultural traditions of Christmas celebrations in Goa.
Here are 10 Iconic Indian Christmas Foods You Cannot Miss!
Now that we know the places for Christmas celebrations in India, let’s talk about food. There is one thing India never forgets—it’s food. No celebration is complete without food.
Indian Christmas also comes with some great dishes. Here are 10 you cannot miss out on:
1. Christmas Plum Cake (or Fruitcake)
Plum Cake is the ultimate Christmas treat across India. It is a dense cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Many families soak the fruits in rum or brandy for months to give them a deep, rich flavour. Christmas celebrations in India are incomplete without this sweet dish. The famous Allahabadi version is a must-try.
2. Vindaloo
A true Goan classic, this curry is intensely flavourful and wonderfully tangy. Meat, usually pork or chicken, is marinated overnight in vinegar, garlic, and fiery red chillies. The slow cooking process tenderises the meat beautifully. One bite and you will rejoice for the day the Lord has made. It is spicy, sour, and an essential main dish for any coastal Christmas feast.
3. Kulkuls / Kidyo
These are adorable, crunchy sweets that look like little shells or twists. They show you how a simple dough, when deep-fried until golden, coated in a sweet sugar glaze, can become an explosion of flavour. They are lovingly prepared in large batches by East Indian and Goan families, making them perfect, festive bites for sharing.
4. Palappam with Stew
This dish is at the heart of a Kerala Christian Christmas breakfast. Palappam are delicate, lacy pancakes made with fermented rice batter and creamy coconut milk, and just paired them with a pleasant, mildly spiced mutton or chicken stew (Ishtew) for the ultimate flavour heaven experience. The soft pancake soaking up the gentle stew is pure comfort.
5. Bebinca
Known as the Queen of Goan Desserts, Bebinca is a stunning, traditional layered pudding. It takes effort to make this sweet. Each thin layer gets baked separately using coconut milk, egg yolks, and nutmeg. The resulting dessert is tender, slightly chewy, and a centrepiece that shows great festive care.
6. Duck Roast (Tharavu Roast/Mappas)
Tharavu Roast is a rich and celebratory dish, especially popular in Kerala. The slow-cooked duck is in a thick gravy, heavy with black pepper, whole spices, and sometimes coconut milk. Its robust, aromatic flavour makes it a grand and special main course reserved for Christmas Day feasting.
7. Rose Cookies (Achappam)
These are beautiful, fragile cookies shaped like a flower. They are made by dipping a special mould into a rice flour batter and quickly frying it. The cookies are light, crispy, and sweet. They are often made at home and are a signature sweet item on the festive platter.
8. Sorpotel
Another iconic Goan pork preparation, Sorpotel, is a spicy and slightly sour curry. It has a complex flavour because it is traditionally made with offal and cooked using palm vinegar. Families insist that this dish tastes even better on the second or third day, making it ideal for preparing ahead.
9. Biryani
No celebration in India is complete without a plate of lavish biryani, and Christmas is no different. It is often the star dish at an Indian Christmas dinner. Whether it is a rich Mutton or fragrant Chicken Biryani, the layers of spiced rice and tender meat elevate the celebratory meal. While generic for the list, Biryani is very integral to Indian culture.
10. Guava Cheese (Perad)
You want something sweet but don’t want dairy products? Try Perad. It is not a dairy product, but a dense, chewy confection made from fresh guava pulp and sugar. To make it, you have to cook the pulp until it sets like a rich fudge. Once cooled, cut it into neat squares or diamonds. It is a sweet, fruity treat often included in the box of sweets during Christmas celebrations in India.
Conclusion
Christmas and Christianity have seeped deep into Indian culture. While only 2.3% of the total population, Christianity is still the third-largest religion in the country. After Diwali and Eid, Christmas is one of the most celebrated festivals in India.
In India, festivals go far beyond religion. The country uses this festival for community bonding. Diwali’s Faral, Eid’s Sheer Khurma, and Christmas’ Plum Cakes aren’t just food items—they are symbols of Indian unity. Christmas celebrations in India aren’t festive rejoice, they are a reminder of India’s united spirit.
FAQs
1. Is Christmas an official public holiday across India?
Yes, Christmas Day on December 25th is a mandatory national public holiday. All government offices, banks, and most businesses are closed. Schools and colleges usually have an extended winter break during this time.
2. What is “Bada Din” and where is it celebrated?
“Bada Din” means “Big Day.” It is the common name for Christmas, especially in North India. This term is widely used in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It emphasises the importance of the festival.
3. Do Christian families fast before Christmas celebrations in India?
Some traditional Christian communities, particularly in Kerala and among Orthodox groups, observe a period of fasting. This period of abstinence and prayer is called the Nativity Fast. It lasts until Christmas Day.
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