In previous discussions, we established that India is currently the most populous country in the world. But amidst this massive, diverse population, a question often arises: Do Indians celebrate Christmas?
You might ask, "Does it even matter?" The answer is a resounding yes, and here is why.
If you read our analysis on Do Chinese Celebrate Christmas?, you likely realized that Christmas in China has minuscule recognition compared to Europe or the Americas. Considering China is the second most populous nation, it is fascinating to analyze how the number one country, India, approaches this global holiday.
One might assume that if the second-largest population doesn't place significant value on December 25th, perhaps the largest one follows suit. However, India is a land of unique contradictions and immense diversity.
Let’s dive into who the Indian people are, their religious landscape, and finally answer the question about the celebration of Christmas in India.
Who Are the People of India?
To understand the holiday, we must first understand the people. Indians are citizens of the Republic of India, a South Asian nation that, as of 2023, holds the title of the world's most populous country, surpassing China.
India is the world’s seventh-largest country by land area and sits on a vast peninsula. Its people are known globally for their profound contributions to technology, medicine, travel, and culture.
The Religious Landscape
The most distinct aspect of Indian demographics is religion. While the population is highly religious, the vast majority are not Christians.
- Hinduism: This is the majority religion, practiced by approximately 80% of the population. The term "Hindustan" is often used historically and culturally to describe the region, reflecting the centrality of the Hindu way of life.
- Islam: Muslims make up the largest minority, accounting for roughly 14-15%.
- Christianity: Christians hold the third position, making up roughly 2.3% of the population.
While 2.3% sounds small, in a country of 1.4 billion people, this equates to roughly 28 to 30 million Christians; a population larger than many "Christian" nations like Australia or Romania.
What Do Indians Think of Christians?
India is a secular democracy, and historically, it is a land of pluralism. Being largely Hindu, the culture is generally accommodating of other faiths, though views can be relative and complex.
From public discourse and personal interactions, the general Indian sentiment toward Christians is one of peaceful coexistence. However, theological differences do exist.
For devout Christians, the faith is often exclusive; believing Jesus is the only way to God. This can sometimes contrast with the inclusive nature of Hinduism, which often accepts all deities as valid manifestations of the divine.
A Personal Perspective:
I recall a Hindu friend who reached out to me via social media. He was a respectful young man who viewed Jesus not just as a prophet, but as a divinity worthy of reverence. He told me, "My religion teaches me to respect other paths." This sentiment reflects the attitude of many Indians: a willingness to celebrate with their neighbors, regardless of creed.
So, Do Indians Celebrate Christmas?
Given the welcoming nature of the culture, we return to the main question: Do Indians celebrate Christmas?
Yes, they do.
While it is not a nationwide festival on the colossal scale of Diwali (The Festival of Lights) or Holi, Christmas is still a significant event.
- It is a Public Holiday: The Indian government recognizes December 25th as a gazetted public holiday.
- Bada Din: In Hindi, Christmas is often referred to as Bada Din, which literally translates to "Big Day."
- Inclusivity: Non-Christians often join the festivities. If you are a Christian in India, you will likely find your Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim friends ready to join you for a feast or a party.
How is Christmas Celebrated in India?
While the core of the celebration remains the birth of Jesus, the cultural expression of Christmas in India is unique. Here is how it is done:
1. Decorations with a Local Twist
Just like the rest of the world, Indians celebrate on December 25th. Homes are decorated, but often with local materials. In some regions, you might see mango leaves or banana trees used alongside traditional pine trees. Colorful paper stars are hung outside homes in states like Kerala and Goa to signal the festive season.
2. The Feast (Biryani and Sweets)
Food is the language of love in India. The Christmas feast often moves away from the Western turkey and leans toward spicy, flavorful dishes.
- Biryani: A rich rice and meat dish that is a staple for celebrations.
- Kuswar: In regions like Goa, traditional sweets known as Kuswar are prepared and shared with neighbors.
3. Santa Claus and Terminology
Santa Claus is a beloved figure here, too. He is known by various names depending on the language:
- Christmas Baba (Hindi)
- Natal Bua (Marathi)
- Christmas Thatha (Tamil)
Children look forward to gifts from Christmas Baba just as they do in the West.
4. Midnight Mass and Devotion
For the Christian community, the spiritual aspect is paramount. Churches across India hold a special Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. In preparation, many devout families observe a period of fasting or abstinence from December 1st up until the midnight service on December 24th, waiting for the "D-Day" of Jesus' birth.
And yes, Christmas carols are sung with great enthusiasm; sometimes in English, and often in local languages like Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil!
Comparison Table: Christmas in India vs. The West
Feature | The West (USA/Europe) | India |
| Scale: | Major dominance; entire economy shifts. | Significant minority festival; public holiday. |
| Food: | Turkey, Ham, Roast Potatoes. | Biryani, Curry, Traditional Sweets (Kuswar). |
| Trees: | Pine/Fir trees. | Pine, but also Banana or Mango trees in the South. |
| Name: | Christmas | Christmas / Bada Din. |
Conclusion
So, to answer the question, Do Indians celebrate Christmas? They certainly do, with millions of faithful believers and millions more who simply enjoy the "Big Day." It is a time when the diversity of India shines, blending the traditions of the West with the vibrant culture of the East.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Christmas a good time to visit India?Yes, December is considered one of the best months to visit India. The weather is generally cool and dry across the country. It is peak tourist season in states like Goa and Kerala, where the Christmas festivities are vibrant, featuring street parades, beach parties, and elaborate church decorations. How do you say "Merry Christmas" in Indian languages?India has many languages, so the greeting changes depending on the region:
Is Christmas a public holiday in India?Yes, December 25th is a gazetted public holiday nationwide. Government offices, banks, and post offices are closed, and most private companies give employees the day off. What are "Kuswar" sweets?Kuswar is a collection of traditional Christmas sweets prepared by Christians in Goa and Mangalore. It includes treats like Kulkuls (sugar-glazed curls), Rose Cookies, and Dodol (a sticky coconut and jaggery pudding). These are often exchanged with neighbors of all faiths. Do Indian schools close for Christmas?Yes. Most schools in India, regardless of religious affiliation, have a "Winter Break" or "Christmas Holidays." This break usually starts around December 23rd and lasts until the New Year (January 2nd or 3rd). |
