6 Christmas Traditions Practiced in India
India is a land of diversity — be it religions, languages, customs and traditions, food or even dressing. India is a potpourri of cultures. Yet, all these diversities mingle into one stream creating Unity in Diversity. This is one of the basic reasons why Christmas in India is amongst the most important festive occasions.
The Christian population in India is scattered all across the country and all of them along with the non-Christians celebrate Christmas in regional colours.
When it comes to Christmas celebrations in India, the names of a few states come to mind. But what most people seem to be unaware is the fact that the north-eastern states of India also have a sizeable Christian population.
They are mostly concentrated in states like Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram while being present in large numbers in others like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Kerala, Goa, and Puducherry.
Christmas in north-eastern part of India is celebrated in a unique way. The impact of the western culture, as well as local tribal customs, can be seen to blend together. While in South India, a significant number of people celebrate it in a similar way to western countries.
Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in India!
Christmas Crib
The crib is one of the most significant depictions of the birth of Jesus. Most people around India use ceramic figurines and small piles of hay to depict the the birth of Christ in the manger.
While in Goa, there are live cribs in different parts of the town. Baby Jesus with Mother Mary and Joseph, the three wisemen, the shepherds and the animals at the manger are enacted in the perfect way.
Christmas Decorations
Just like any other festivals in India, one of the most important parts of decorations during Christmas are the lights. The star is used to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem that signalled the birth of a new king and led the three wisemen to the manger where Jesus was born.
Christmas trees are decorated with lights, silver bells, Christmas wreaths and all the new decorations available in the market. But that’s not all, the trees are also decorated with cotton wool to showcase layers of snow. Wonderful idea, right?!!
Christmas Cuisine
Christmas begins in the kitchen almost a month in advance. With so many dishes to prepare on the list, no amount of time can ever be enough.
From sorpotel or Goan vindaloo, a Portuguese dish made of pork, to Kaukswe, a traditional Christmas meal in Mizoram made of tender chicken sautéed in an onion, garlic and ginger base and left to simmer in coconut milk along with lime and coriander, the list goes on and on.
However, cakes and wine take the longest time to be prepared. It takes almost a month for the wine to get fermented and the same amount of time for the plums, that goes into the cake, to get well soaked up in the rum.
Apart from these amazing dishes, each state has its own special dishes for Christmas. In Nagaland, they prepare smoked pork — a traditional dish, in Assam, there is the Khar — an unusual combination of red rice, beaten pulses and raw papaya along with traditional Assamese spices.
In Arunachal Pradesh, it’s Zan — a wonderfully spicy porridge with lots of green vegetables and smoked meat that’s the Christmas delicacy. In Kerala- the Christmas special dish is Toddy Appam ( also known as Kallappam) along with mutton or chicken stew the best breakfast delicacy everyone must taste.
Christmas Shopping
Christmas is, indeed, a time for shopping. Everyone will be on a shopping spree before Christmas to buy new clothes and other stuff for their Christmas celebrations conducted in offices, schools and other communities.
Also being the month of sharing, people in India find time to visit old age houses and orphanages to give the inmates a joyous and memorable time.
Christmas gifting is not that prevalent in India as in the western countries.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is almost as memorable as New Year’s Eve.
From Christmas carols that lead to the Midnight Mass occurring practically in every church around the nation to Christmas Eve parties taking place at every restaurants and clubs.
Christmas Day
After a long night of Midnight Mass at churches and partying at clubs, Christmas morning begins late.
Since Christmas day creates an opportunity to be with family and loved ones, families spend the day together and enjoy the day by sharing the food they’ve prepared with their neighbours and friends.
There’s no dearth of celebrations in India. And no matter whichever part of India you visit, you will have every reason to enjoy Christmas to the core. So, pack your bags, select your destination and get ready for a memorable Christmas!
