Christmas in India is a bright celebration, in like manner most celebrations. It is noted for its brilliance, at neighborhood stores, markets and shopping centers have multi-hued twinkling pixie lights, paper streamers, and blossoms. Holy places are designed utilizing brilliant light shows and look grand in the night. Christmas is a little celebration, contrasted with different celebrations in India, because of the modest number of Christian people. Be that as it may, it is praised over the entire nation.
The Christmas traditions in India changes. In Southern India, Christians put little oil-consuming dirt lights on their rooftops to infer that Jesus is the light of the world. In north-west India, Christians of the Bhil people go out each night for seven days at Christmas to sing their very own songs. They likewise go to encompassing towns singing and recounting to individuals the Christmas story. Additionally, in southwest India, in the province of Kerala, 22% of the populace are Christians. Conventional Catholics quick from the first to the 24th of December, until the 12 PM administration. Each house around India will be improved with a Christmas star. Father Christmas or Santa Claus delivers Christmas presents to kids from a pony and truck that’s how a celebration of Christmas in India takes place.
Importance of Christmas in India
Many people already know about what Christmas signifies. Those who do not know what the celebration is about can know it now. Christians believe that the Saviour of the world was born to a virgin over 2000 years ago to save the world from sinners and bring joy. It is not a specific date for Christmas but it was known as the coldest night of the year. However, the big day for the Christians in India is on the 25th of December every year. This is remembered as Christmas and people spread the message of Christmas Love, Joy, Cheer and decorate Christmas tree India.
Preparation of Christmas In India
The streets and shopping malls also decorate their place with Christmas trees, light bulbs, LED lights, and colored paper. This happens even one month before the Christmas celebrations begin. The shopping centers also offer discount sales so people will shop there for Christmas gifts, decorations, etc. Offices are closed and it is a national holiday. Parties are hosted for a gala time and a great time of celebration. The religious people and those who want to do charity even donate stuff like new clothes or blankets to the homeless and orphans as it is wintertime. Others go for carol singing almost a month earlier.
How Indians Celebrate Christmas?
Some people get their clothes stitched as there will be demand later. Others purchase new clothes for Christmas from huge malls even in the last minute shopping. The women in the house prepare Christmas goodies, rose cookies, and special cake ingredients. Churches and teams organize carol singing nights where they travel to people’s houses and sings songs of birth of Jesus. Some spread the message of peace during this entire Christmas season. Here are some cities we explore how is Christmas celebrated in India?
1. Kerala
The state of Kerala has some of the oldest Christian churches and is the place where Christianity originated in India. The churches are almost open until morning and they are illuminated in a great but simple way. There are good discounts on food and beverages during the Christmas Season. There are many Christmas things to do in India. They eat sumptuous cakes, drinks and a variety of non-vegetarian dishes. People light up the outside of houses with oil lamps for the Christmas period.
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2. Delhi
The National Capital feels the vibe across the streets, residential colonies of the Christian community, lounges, and pubs. The popular church in North India situated in the famous Connaught Place is called Sacred Heart Church. It is beautifully decorated and illuminated and the freezing cold does not stop them from attending the midnight mass. Delhi is one of the best places to visit in India to celebrate Christmas in a grand and memorable celebration.
3. Meghalaya
Especially in Shillong, people celebrate with great preparations, singing, cooking, dancing, etc. There are many music band performances, stage shows, dance, etc. throughout the Christmas season. Churches are illuminated with glittering lights and light works. They eat special traditional cuisine and western Christmas specials and celebrate with zeal and spread the joy of Christmas. It is one of the things to do in India on Christmas. There are many celebrations across eastern India especially the seven sisters. However, this is not the major festival in some.
4. Pondicherry
There are a big Roman Catholic Christian population and many ancient churches in this union territory. This French town of India is also one of the greatest tourist destinations to visit in India. The main churches such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and several more. It is a great illuminated sight to witness as the Church service happens in these churches. Catholics celebrate Christmas Eve which is 24th night and they call it Midnight Mass. However, many attend the morning service on the 25th morning.
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5. Bangalore
Bangalore is a city that celebrates Christmas with great pomp, grandeur and celebrations. There are many areas where the houses are decorated and illuminated with shimmering lights. There are competitions, events, and pre-Christmas programs held in many places including churches during the Christmas season. Some of the most popular churches in South India are there in Bangalore. They might also hold midnight mass in churches like City Harvest AG Church, St. Mary Basilica, CFC, etc.
6. Manali
This snowy region in Himachal Pradesh is best for Christmas Celebrations in India. They are not dreaming of a White Christmas because they actually celebrate white Christmas in the snowy winter month. Hotels are decorated and lit up with several snowman figures and there are hot Christmas treats to enjoy inside. This is known as the skiing capital of the country as there are several organizers for the snow sports. Tourists flock to Manali and book tickets in advance as there are several going to this place. They have a great time in huts made of log and snowman in the snow. It is one of the best Christmas celebrations in India.
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7. Goa
There are many ways to celebrate Christmas in India and visiting Goa is one of them. The Roman Catholics in Goa celebrate with gusto as it is a very special festival in Goa. It includes a lot of western and international rituals and customs due to their connection with Portugal in earlier times. In most homes, it is a tradition to keep tiny figurines in a manger as in the birth of Christ. They also light scented candles that give a pleasant odor.
8. Mumbai
This city is known for the exuberance and happening way for Christmas Celebrations in India. It has many foreigners residing there and the Anglo-Indians and has a historical connection with the colonial past. Bandra West Suburban area is one of the best places for Christmas Celebrations in India. The churches of Mumbai look beautiful and are decorated with lights, Christmas trees, etc. The streets look bright and colorful because the houses are decorated with lights and a natural Christmas tree.
9. Daman and Diu
This union territory of India situated around the Gujarat coast has a historical connection to Portugal. This is a quaint town at other times of the year but becomes joyful and cheerful during the Christmas season India. There are dance shows and many talented dancers participate in such performances during the Christmas season. One famous Portugal dance such as the Corridinho is performed in these regions like Goa and Daman and Diu during Christmas time.
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Christmas Traditions in India
In rural areas across other states and in smaller villages, people gather at each other’s houses 1 – 2 weeks before Christmas. They sing songs about
Jesus’s birth and spread the love of God and the gospel of salvation. In other cities in India, especially the southern cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, etc. many people follow common or similar Christmas traditions. There are illuminated star-shaped paper lanterns that people put out and at night time that looks like there are stars in the street. Some people get a branch of natural Christmas tree and others purchase artificial trees from shops which is more common.
So these are the Christmas celebration in India, with respect to places to visit in India on Christmas. You can plan according to your comfort. I hope you will love this article as we have tried to provide you as per your concern and kindly share your views in the comment section.
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