Christmas 2024: Goa To Kerala, Here’s How India Celebrates The Birth of Jesus – News18
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Christmas celebrations across India also symbolise the spirit of harmony amid cultural diversity in the country.
Christmas 2024: States like Goa and Kerala (in pic) are well-known for their colourful celebrations. (Image: Shutterstock)
Christmas 2024 Celebrations: In India, Christmas celebrations mark a unique blend of religious practices with regional customs and traditions. The regional food, décor, music and traditions make Christmas celebrations more enjoyable across states.
Since the festive day is a commemoration of the birth of Lord Jesus, the celebrations also hold immense religious and spiritual importance for Christians across India. Celebrated every year on December 25, Christmas festivities also include other communities in many states and it’s not only limited to the followers of Lord Jesus.
From Goa to Kerala to Northeastern states, people come together on this festive day to embrace the spirit of love, sacrifice and humanity, as epitomised by the life of Jesus Christ. The Christmas celebrations across India also symbolise the spirit of harmony amid cultural diversity in the country.
Apart from homes, malls and upscale stores are decked out with Christmas trees, lights, stars and other decorative items. As each state is different from the other, the celebrations vary from state to state. While Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur all celebrate the event in distinct ways, Kerala and Goa are known for their colourful celebrations with traditional music, folk dance and food.
Goa
Christmas celebrations in India are very popular in Goa. The top tourist destination is known for its Portuguese ancestry and during Christmas it comes alive with carol singing, midnight masses and adorned churches.
Then, there are marketplaces brimming with Christmas treats and beaches that offer joyous parties for those who want to spend a memorable time with friends and family.
The midnight service at Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus are some of the top events which attract a large number of visitors during Christmas in Goa.
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Kerala
Christmas celebrations in Kerala highlight a beautiful coexistence of regional traditions and religious practices. Traditional Catholics celebrate by hanging a Christmas star outside their homes.
Many Christians also fast from December 1 to December 24 until the midnight service. The decorated churches, customary meals, and joyous processions of Kochi and Trivandrum are well-known.
A backwater cruise in Alleppey around Christmas is a special way to celebrate the occasion in the middle of peaceful surroundings.
Northeast
With a sizable Christian population, the northeastern states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya, are known for the Christmas celebrations. While decking out their home and towns like brides, people also don’t forget to follow their ethnic traditions during Christmas celebrations.
Meghalaya
Another stunning location in the Northeast for Christmas celebrations is Shillong. Fairy lights are used to illuminate the charming village, and local choirs’ heartfelt carol performances set the mood.
Cathedrals that are a must-see during this period, such as the Shillong Cathedral, see sizable crowds for midnight service. Go to cafes to see live performances and try some of their greatest pastries. The town’s welcoming atmosphere and cold temperatures add to the joyful festive mood.
Nagaland
A trip to Nagaland during Christmas will be an unforgettable experience. Local choirs add to the joyful atmosphere as the city is decked out in festive decorations. Extensive traditional Naga feasts are also served throughout the ceremonies.
Visiting Nagaland during Christmas time will be a next-level experience, mark our words! This festival is celebrated with much fervour, and the city is decked up in festive decorations, with local choirs contributing to the joyous atmosphere. The festivities also see elaborate traditional Naga feasts.
Mizoram
Mizoram celebrates Christmas with considerable zeal, combining traditional Christian activities with Mizo customs. Families adorn their homes with candles, stars, and Christmas trees. Midnight Mass is an important event, with large crowds attending church services.
Mizo people often make distinctive meals, such as rice cakes, pork, and other local delicacies. Carol singing, community gatherings, and gift-giving all contribute to the holiday atmosphere. It is a time for family reunions and socialising, and Mizo people are friendly and welcoming.
The event includes traditional dances and cultural programs that show the community’s solidarity and delight.
Manipur
Singing Christmas carols and hymns, reading the Bible and visiting churches are some of the common practices during Christmas in Manipur. Villages, towns, offices, shops and other commercial establishments are decorated with Christmas trees and lights. Special prayer services and community feasts with traditional Manipuri cuisines are also important parts of the Christmas celebrations across the state.
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