How India Celebrated Christmas: A Festive Spirit Amidst Challenges

Christmas was celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, with leaders extending warm wishes and communities coming together for prayers and festivities. From vibrant church services to community feasts, the spirit of joy and compassion was evident. However, concerns over attacks on Christians were also highlighted, prompting calls for peace and unity. Discover how different states marked this special occasion amidst a backdrop of challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 21:37 IST

Christmas Celebrations Across India

New Delhi: The spirit of Christmas was alive throughout the nation on Thursday, with churches adorned in festive lights and nativity scenes. Midnight masses attracted large crowds, and community gatherings spread joy alongside prayers for peace and unity.

Prominent leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president J P Nadda, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, extended their warm wishes to the public in honor of Jesus Christ's birth.

President Murmu expressed her heartfelt greetings on X, emphasizing that Christmas symbolizes joy and compassion. Vice President Radhakrishnan also shared his wishes, hoping that the essence of Christ's teachings would foster stronger, caring communities.

Prime Minister Modi participated in a Christmas service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi, joining a large gathering of Christians from the region. The service featured prayers, carols, and hymns, along with a special prayer for the Prime Minister by Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, the Bishop of Delhi.

In his post on X, Modi reflected on the service's message of love, peace, and compassion, wishing everyone a Christmas filled with hope and harmony.

BJP chief Nadda encouraged people to unite for the betterment of humanity, inspired by Jesus Christ's teachings. Meanwhile, Congress president Kharge highlighted the occasion's significance in promoting a more humane society.

The Congress party also shared a video depicting vandalism of Christmas decorations in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, criticizing the BJP government.

Gandhi shared a video message on X, wishing everyone a joyful Christmas filled with love and compassion.

Christmas festivities were vibrant in various states, with Mizoram hosting church services and community feasts. Youth and children performed songs and plays, conveying messages of love and joy.

In Meghalaya, midnight services and carol processions illuminated the streets, as church leaders encouraged reflection on the hope and love associated with Jesus's birth.

Kolkata saw crowds flocking to popular locations like Alipur Zoo and Victoria Memorial, while picnickers enjoyed the day in scenic spots.

In Jharkhand, churches held special midnight prayers, with Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren extending their greetings.

Goa celebrated with midnight masses, as cities and homes sparkled with festive decorations. Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called for peace and harmony.

Kerala's Christmas was marked by large gatherings in churches, with special prayers led by the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Raphael Thattil.

Despite the celebrations, concerns over attacks on Christians and Christmas events were raised. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Malankara Catholic Church described the situation as serious, urging believers to celebrate without fear.

In Tamil Nadu, churches were beautifully decorated, and the Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore called for an end to war and discrimination.

Christmas was also joyfully celebrated in other states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.