Celebrating the many Christmases of India

(December 25, 2023) Christmas, moving beyond its roots as a Christian celebration, has transformed into a truly Indian festival. Last year, Speaking Tiger, a publishing house led by former heads of Penguin India and Cambridge University Press India, launched an anthology titled ‘Indian Christmas.’ This book encapsulates the unique essence of Christmas in India through a collection of essays, images, poems, and hymns—presented both in English and translated from various Indian languages. The anthology vividly portrays how Christmas has become a significant festival in India, celebrated not only by Christians but also by diverse communities in their own distinct ways.

Cover image of the book ‘Indian Christmas’

Jerry Pinto and Madhulika Liddle, two acclaimed Indian writers, not only edited the anthology but also penned the introduction. The anthology features contributions from distinguished authors like Damodar Mauzo, Vivek Menezes, Easterine Kire, Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, Elizabeth Kuruvilla, Jane Borges, Mary Sushma Kindo, and others. Their writings explore Christmas traditions and celebrations in regions such as Goa, Nagaland, Kerala, Delhi, Ranchi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Shillong, and rural Jharkhand, offering insights into the essence of Indian Christmas.

The books description on Amazon reads: “Charming family traditions, ‘chutnified’ Christmas lunches and dinners, quintessentially Indian versions of Christmas decorations and rituals—all find a place in the pages of Indian Christmas, a first-of-its-kind collection that pays tribute to a great Indian festival. It is a unique and beautiful book to possess and to gift.”

The book highlights the rich and multiple ways in which Christmas is celebrated in India through content like Arul Cellaturai’s poems of the Pillaitamil tradition about Baby Jesus and the moon, tappe-boliyan by Punjabi singers portraying Mary and her infant, Mughal miniatures illustrating Jesus’ birth, artworks by Jyoti Sahi and Sister Marie Claire inspired by folk art, and photographs capturing Christmas moments in Aizawl, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi, contributed by different photographers.

 Jerry Pinto on ‘Indian Christmas’

“Christmas is a festival of hope. I think all literature hopes to work against hate, to further the common cause of humanity. If this book contributes to that, I should be delighted,” told Jerry Pinto, the anthology’s co-editor in an interview adding, “I think we need to remember that we are the nation that was visited by St Thomas the Apostle and that Christianity has 2000-year-old roots here.”

Pinto utilised the fond memories of the several Christmases of childhood to remain excited throughout the making of the book.

“I come from a non-traditional Christian family,” he shared, “We weren’t the kind of family who cooked up storms though we could eat our way through mountains of food.”  The family enjoyed the cake from the local shop and relished eating delicious food in loving company of each other.

Jerry Pinto

Madhulika Liddle on ‘Indian Christmas’

“I think, besides the fact that a festival like Christmas goes beyond religion and reinforces values of peace and goodwill, there is the very fact of it being a very ‘local’ festival when it comes to how Indians celebrate it,” remarked Madhulika, Pinto’s co-editor of ‘Indian Christmas’. Born in Haflong, Assam she spent her first 12 years moving across different towns in the state due to her IPS officer father’s transfers. The family finally relocated to Delhi, where she completed her schooling and college education at the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition (IHMCN).

“Growing up, Christmas was for me the most exciting part of the year. I always looked forward even to the run-up to Christmas, the decorations we put up around the house, the cake, doughnuts, gujiyas and other goodies we helped make, the music, the warmth and joy,” she shared. Beautiful childhood experiences associated with the festival played a great role in making her attached to the anthology since the very start.

Indian Culture | Indian Christmas | Global Indian

The many Christmases of India

For a country as diverse as India, different regions have their own unique way to celebrate. Christmas is the time to enjoy and spread joy not just within families but with the entire community in India.

Goa is place where the joy of Christmas radiates an exuberant atmosphere. A sizable Roman Catholic population and Portuguese heritage add a touch of splendour to the festive fervour. The streets start buzzing with the spirit of Christmas, bedecked with Poinsettia flowers and twinkling holiday lights. Midnight carolers serenade till dawn, while beachside venues offer festive lunches with live music, extending celebrations to beaches like Anjuna and Candolim.

Ludhiana adds a Punjabi flavour to the Christmas festivities. Christmas carols in Punjabi and dhols add a local touch to the celebrations. Few churches even organise langar, a trademark Punjabi community kitchen. A shobha yatra is taken out from Temple of God Church at Saleem Tabri which pass through various areas of city and end at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Sarabha Nagar. More than 150 churches of Ludhiana participates in the Shobha Yatra.

Puducherry, influenced by French heritage, hosts a serene yet fervent Christmas celebration. With a notable Roman Catholic community. The union territory transforms into a jubilant spectacle with festive spirit in the air. Landmarks like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and other churches hold mesmerising services, exuding a serene yet joyful ambiance.

Delhi gets bustled with a commercial fervour during Christmas. Malls and Christian neighbourhoods dazzle with lights, while theme parties gets hosted in clubs and bars. The Midnight Service at Sacred Heart Church in Connaught Place witnesses a diverse congregation, showcasing the city’s inclusive celebration of Christmas, where the festive warmth overcomes even the wintry weather, making Delhi’s Christmas festivity a spectacle worth experiencing first-hand.

An image from Goa’s Christmas

Kolkata witnesses one of the largest Christmas carnivals of India on Park Street. The themed lighting starts from St Xavier’s College and ends at Mullick Bazaar. The themed lighting gets designed by artisans from the nearby town of Chandannagar who also light up the city during Durga Puja. Bands and various choir groups perform at different places and a two-hour Christmas Parade is organised where hundreds of school children participate

Cochin is one of the liveliest place in India other than Goa for Christmas and New Year celebrations. The famous 10-day long Cochin Carnival takes place during this time, with activities like beach bike races, beach football, fire displays and the grand carnival procession lined up with floats, bands, fancy dress art forms, and decorated elephants. The churches remain open throughout the night, and local eateries offer delightful meals with exceptional local flavours.

Shillong offers a quieter yet charming Christmas celebration. Homes and streets shimmer with sparkling lights, echoing with traditional hymns and carols, while local gospel musicians add a unique touch to the celebrations.

Ranchi immerses itself in joyous celebration with a sizable Christian and tribal communities, embracing traditions with fervour. The festivities centre on traditional delicacies like Dhuska, a local snack, and dancing around bonfires to melodies honouring Jesus Christ and Mother Mary. Modest yet heartfelt Christmas gatherings take place in homes, radiating warmth and festivity.

Global Indian celebrates the spirit of love, kindness, and togetherness that unites us all, irrespective of our backgrounds or beliefs on all Indian festivals. May this joyous occasion of Christmas fill our hearts with warmth and goodwill, and spread happiness and peace throughout our communities.