Christmas Festival: Celebration, Significance, and Expression Through Art in India

Christmas, the festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals across the world. Although it originates in Christianity, the festival has transcended religious boundaries and is embraced by people of various faiths and cultures. In India, a country known for its diversity in religion, language, and traditions, Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of millions, especially in cities and states with significant Christian populations. It has become a time of joy, celebration, and creativity for families, communities, and individuals alike.

This article will explore Christmas in India, its significance, how it is celebrated, and how people use various forms of expression, including drawing and art, to commemorate this vibrant festival.

Christmas in India: A Brief Overview

Although Christians form a minority in India, accounting for about 2.3% of the population, the celebration of Christmas is widespread, especially in states like Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Northeastern states like Nagaland and Mizoram. Christmas, known locally as “Bada Din” (The Big Day), has transcended religious lines and is observed in many parts of the country by people of different faiths. It is a national holiday, marked by an atmosphere of festivity, joy, and generosity.

Origins of Christmas in India

Christianity has a long history in India, with the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in Kerala around 52 AD. The state of Goa also has deep-rooted connections with Christianity, thanks to the Portuguese who colonized the region in the 16th century and introduced Catholicism. With the influence of European colonial powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French, Christmas gradually became a part of Indian culture.

While Indian Christians follow the global traditions of celebrating Christmas with midnight mass, feasts, and caroling, they have also incorporated unique cultural elements, making the festival distinctly Indian.

Celebrations and Traditions of Christmas in India

Church Services and Midnight Mass

In India, the religious aspect of Christmas is especially significant for Christians. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a central event in the celebration. Churches across India are beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and Christmas trees. The services include hymns, prayers, and the nativity play, which reenacts the birth of Jesus Christ. People from all walks of life gather to participate in these services, offering prayers for peace, harmony, and blessings for the coming year.

Christmas Decorations

Decorating homes and churches is an integral part of the Christmas Festival celebration in India. Like in the West, Christmas trees are a common sight in Indian homes and public spaces. These trees are adorned with ornaments, bells, stars, and fairy lights. One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in India is the Christmas Star, which is hung outside homes and churches to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus.

In states like Kerala and Goa, as well as parts of Mumbai and Kolkata, streets and neighborhoods are lit up with colorful lights, and Christmas Festival markets bustle with festive cheer.

Feasts and Sweets

Food is an essential part of Christmas Festival celebrations, and Indian families prepare special meals for the occasion. Traditional Christmas meals in India often include roasted meats, biryanis, curries, and a variety of bread. In Goa, the Portuguese influence is visible in dishes like pork vindaloo, sorpotel, and bebinca (a layered Goa dessert).

Sweets and desserts also hold a special place in the festivities. Indian Christians prepare a wide range of traditional treats, including kulkuls (sweet, fried pastries), neureos (stuffed pastries), rose cookies, and Christmas Festival plum cake, which is a must-have at every Christmas table.

Carol Singing

Caroling is another cherished tradition during Christmas Festival in India. Groups of people, often children, visit homes in their neighborhoods, singing Christmas carols and spreading joy. In many Indian cities, large choirs perform in public spaces, adding to the festive atmosphere. Popular carols like “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “O Holy Night” resonate through the streets, bringing people together in celebration.

Exchanging Gifts

The tradition of exchanging gifts is a significant part of Christmas, symbolizing the gifts given to baby Jesus by the Wise Men. In India, families exchange gifts among themselves, while children eagerly await presents from Santa Claus. Many schools and communities organize Secret Santa games, where participants exchange gifts anonymously, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the celebrations.

Christmas Art and Drawing: An Expression of Creativity

Art plays an important role in the Christmas celebrations in India. From decorative drawings and vibrant designs to intricate rangoli patterns, people use various forms of art to express the joy and beauty of the festival. Christmas drawings and art often depict iconic symbols like Santa Claus, Christmas trees, reindeer, snowmen, and nativity scenes.

Christmas-Themed Drawing Competitions

In schools, art classes, and community centers, Christmas-themed drawing competitions are a popular way to engage children and encourage creativity. These competitions often have students drawing scenes from the nativity, Christmas landscapes, or festive decorations. It is a time when young artists can showcase their talent while celebrating the essence of Christmas.

Some common drawing themes during Christmas include:

1. Santa Claus: Jolly Santa Claus, with his red suit, hat, and flowing white beard, is a favorite subject for children’s Christmas drawings. Santa’s sleigh, filled with gifts and led by reindeer, is often depicted flying across starry skies.
2. Nativity Scenes: The nativity scene, showing baby Jesus in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and the three Wise Men, is a classic Christmas art theme. It highlights the religious significance of Christmas and is an important part of Christmas decorations in churches and homes.
3. Christmas Trees and Decorations: Christmas trees, decorated with stars, lights, baubles, and gifts, are a frequent subject in festive drawings. Children and adults alike enjoy illustrating the beauty and warmth of a well-decorated Christmas tree.
4. Rangoli: In many parts of India, especially in South India, the traditional art form of rangoli is used to create stunning designs for Christmas. Made with colored powders, flower petals, or rice, rangoli patterns are typically drawn outside homes to welcome guests. During Christmas, these patterns often include stars, bells, angels, and other festive symbols.

Significance of Art in Christmas Celebrations

Art is more than just a form of decoration during Christmas—it is a way of expressing the deeper emotions and spiritual meaning behind the festival. Whether through nativity drawings, Christmas cards, or festive decorations, art allows people to connect with the joy, love, and sense of togetherness that Christmas represents.

For many, the act of creating art during Christmas is a meditative process that brings peace and satisfaction. It is a time to reflect on the year gone by and the values that the festival represents, including kindness, generosity, and hope.

Christmas and Unity in India

In a country as diverse as India, festivals like Christmas serve as an opportunity to bring people together. India’s multicultural society allows people from various religious and cultural backgrounds to participate in and enjoy the festivities of different communities. For many non-Christians in India, Christmas is seen as a time of goodwill and sharing, much like Diwali or Eid.

In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with malls and shopping centers decked out in festive decorations. The festival season also provides a boost to local businesses and artisans, as Christmas shopping, gift exchanges, and special markets create economic activity.

In rural India, where Christian communities live in harmony with other religious groups, Christmas is often celebrated with community meals, dances, and local traditions. The festival helps strengthen bonds between different communities, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood.

Conclusion

Christmas in India is a beautiful blend of global traditions and local customs, making it a truly unique and joyous occasion. From the midnight masses to the feasts, from the carol singing to the artistic expressions through drawing and decorations, Christmas captures the spirit of love, peace, and togetherness.

In India, where festivals are an integral part of the cultural fabric, Christmas stands out not just as a religious celebration, but as a festival that brings people of all backgrounds together in a spirit of joy and goodwill. The creative expression of the festival, whether through art, music, or food, makes Christmas in India a rich and vibrant experience, filled with warmth and happiness.

As the festive season approaches, the streets and homes of India will once again light up with stars, the sound of carols will fill the air, and people will come together to celebrate the birth of Christ and the values of love, generosity, and unity that Christmas embodies.