Christmas in India

Christmas in India is a festive and widely celebrated holiday, albeit by a smaller percentage of the population due to the predominance of Hinduism and Islam. The Christian community in India, though a minority, observes Christmas with great fervor and enthusiasm, reflecting the country's diverse cultural fabric.

History and Traditions

The celebration of Christmas in India can be traced back to the arrival of European missionaries. Over the centuries, various Christian denominations have established themselves in India, each bringing their own customs and traditions to the Christmas celebrations. The influence of Western culture has also played a role in shaping how Christmas is celebrated in urban areas.

Indian Christians decorate their homes with banana or mango leaves and may also display small clay lamps on rooftops and walls to symbolize Jesus as the light of the world. In South India, Christians often put small oil-burning clay lamps on flat roofs to show their neighbors that Jesus is the light of the world.

Churches are decorated for Christmas Eve services which are attended by Christians wearing new clothes. The service often includes a play or nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus.

Celebrations

• Midnight Mass: A central tradition for many Christians is attending Midnight Mass at local churches.
• Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is common among family and friends.
• Feasting: Food plays an important part in celebrations; traditional dishes might include Biryani, various curries, and regional sweets.
• Carol Singing: Groups may go caroling days before Christmas.
• Community Events: Larger communities may organize special events such as parades or cultural programs.

In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata where there are larger Christian populations, Christmas festivities are more prominent with elaborate decorations in malls, hotels and public spaces.

Christmas trees (often artificial) are set up in homes and commercial centers, adorned with ornaments including stars, cotton to represent snow, and tinsel.

Santa Claus is also a popular figure during Indian Christmases; children look forward to receiving presents from him on Christmas morning.

While not a public holiday across all parts of India (as it depends on state recognitions), Christmas Day is marked as an official holiday where it's observed widely allowing people to engage fully with holiday traditions.