Christmas Day in India: Tradition with Creative Celebrations

Christmas Day is a Christian festival cherished by millions of people. It marks the birth date of Jesus and is celebrated worldwide for its themes of love, generosity, and goodwill. The holiday is a time for family gatherings, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

The way people celebrate the Christmas holidays varies from culture to culture and family to family. However, the joy of decorating Christmas trees, hanging stockings, and singing carols remains consistent throughout. To learn more about Christmas Day in India and its vibrant nature, keep reading this blog.

What is the Christmas Festival Date?

The first Christmas celebration took place on December 25th, 336 AD, during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine. As the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the empire. This marked the start of Christmas celebrations on December 25th, which is when Christmas is celebrated. Christmas Day 2024 will fall on a Wednesday.

In India, Goa has gained a lot of popularity for its joyous celebration. The churches in the city are decorated with lights, blessing the attendees with an unforgettable experience. In states such as Nagaland and Meghalaya, the festival is celebrated with great excitement and enthusiasm.

How are the Christmas Holidays Celebrated in India?

The highly anticipated festival is celebrated in a blended way with traditional Christian practices and local customs. Given our country’s diversity, there are multiple ways to do so. Here are some ways people celebrate the Christmas holidays in India:

Religious Services
Many Christians in India attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Churches are beautifully decorated, and special prayers and hymns mark the occasion. Cribs and childbirth scenes depicting the birth of Jesus are set up in homes, churches, and public places.
Decorations
For Xmas holidays, fir, spruce, or pine trees are decorated with lights, ornaments, and stars. Plus, homes and churches are also adorned with colourful lights and star-shaped paper lanterns.
Festive Food
Christmas meals in India can include a variety of dishes, such as biryani, roast turkey or chicken, and duck moilee. Special Christmas sweets like plum cake and fruit cake and traditional Indian sweets such as ‘kulkuls’ and ‘Nevries’ (also called Nevreo or Neurio) are prepared.
Carolling
Groups of people, especially children, go door-to-door singing Christmas carols. This is particularly popular in states like Goa and Kerala, with a large Christian population.
Gifts and Cards
Exchanging gifts and Christmas cards is a common practice. People often give gifts to friends, family, and the less fortunate.
Regional Celebrations
In Goa, the festival is celebrated with parties, beach gatherings, and grand feasts. Meanwhile, Kerala, known for its Christian population, celebrates with traditional Syrian Christian customs, elaborate church services, and communal meals. In states like Nagaland and Mizoram, Christmas is celebrated with tribal dances and songs.
Public Celebrations
Cities and towns often host public events, including Christmas fairs, concerts, and community feasts. Special markets are set up to sell decorations, gifts, and festive foods.
Charitable Activities
Many people engage in charitable activities, such as distributing food and gifts to the needy, visiting orphanages, and organizing community events for the less privileged.

Join the Festivities and Spread the Cheer

As we prepare for Christmas Day 2024, embrace the festive spirit by participating in local celebrations, decorating your home, and sharing the joy with loved ones. Join the festivities and spread the cheer, making this holiday season truly special for everyone around you.

Before You Go…

If you also wish to enjoy Christmas 2024 and the long holidays that come with it, worry no more. This time, do not think about the effect that your trips will have on your pocket. With KreditBee’s travel loan, you can experience the vibrant and warm festival in Goa, Kerala, or any other joyous city and create memories for a lifetime.

FAQs

In India, people attend Midnight Mass at churches, set up nativity scenes in homes and public places, decorate Christmas trees with lights and ornaments, and indulge in festive meals. Carolling, exchanging gifts, and engaging in charitable activities are also common.

Often referred to as ‘bada din’ or the big day, the Christmas holiday in India is celebrated with delicious food, the exchange of gifts, and festive carols. Midnight Mass is also part of many people's Christmas Eve traditions.

Christmas is quite popular in India, especially in regions with significant Christian populations such as Goa, Kerala, Northeastern states, and urban centres like Mumbai and Delhi.

Due to our country's large population and diversity, there are only three national holidays: Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. Now, if you are wondering whether Christmas is a holiday in India, then yes, it is a public holiday in our country.