Christmas Celebrations Illuminate Northeast India with Joy and Unity
Festive Spirit in the Northeast
Kohima/Aizawl, Dec 24: The Northeast region is alive with the spirit of Christmas, especially in the predominantly Christian states of Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. The atmosphere is filled with joy and devotion, marked by lively carol singing, special church services, and beautifully adorned streets and homes.
Churches, roads, and homes across towns and villages are festively decorated to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
In these northeastern states, Christmas festivities extend over several days, with community feasts held on the second day to honor the occasion.
Mizoram, known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations, showcases a unique blend of religious devotion and cultural traditions, making December a particularly special month in this border state.
The festive atmosphere is palpable as churches are lavishly decorated, and Christmas carols resonate throughout the state. Towns, villages, and offices are adorned with Christmas trees, while joyful songs fill the air.
Various church organizations and NGOs, including the prominent Young Mizo Association (YMA), have come together to distribute gifts to those in need.
A Christmas Parade took place on Tuesday, moving from Chanmari to Lammual in Aizawl district, organized collaboratively by the Mizoram Tourism Department and a local group.
Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma, along with his family, led the parade from Zarkawt Junction, joined by Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and other officials.
During the parade, the Venghnuai Church Brass Band played enchanting music, while the Mizoram Cosplay Organisation displayed colorful and creative costumes.
Students from the Institute of Music & Fine Arts showcased traditional Mizo attire, adding to the festive spirit.
Participants and onlookers walked through the designated 'No Vehicle Zone' and gathered at Lammual for the Christmas Carol Concert and the closing event of the Winter Festival 2025.
In Nagaland and Meghalaya, churches, significant landmarks, streets, homes, and even trees were illuminated with colorful lights and decorations.
Acting Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla conveyed his Christmas greetings, emphasizing the importance of the holiday, which commemorates the birth of Lord Jesus Christ.
He remarked, “This occasion reminds us of the enduring values of love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, and service to humanity—principles that have long guided the people of Nagaland in fostering harmony and mutual respect.”
He encouraged everyone to work together to enhance social cohesion, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to Nagaland's progress.
In Manipur, an inter-faith Advent Christmas celebration took place at Diamond Jubilee Park in Imphal, organized by the Imphal Naga Forum (INF), where prayers were offered for peace and stability.
The event united leaders from the Meitei, Thadou, and Naga communities, aiming to collectively pray for peace and promote harmony among the state's diverse groups.
The INF, recognized as a peace advocacy group, extended Christmas and New Year wishes to the people of Manipur.
Manipur's Governor Bhalla expressed hopes for peace and joy during this Christmas season, urging everyone to strengthen unity and commitment to a harmonious and prosperous state.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, noted that the past two years have hindered their ability to celebrate Christmas fully due to ongoing ethnic conflicts.
KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet stated that the ethnic violence has caused significant suffering, with homes destroyed and families displaced.
He encouraged people to cherish this Christmas with loved ones, sharing love and compassion, which embody the true essence of the holiday.
However, he reminded everyone that challenges remain, as justice for the Kuki-Zo people is still pending, and the struggle continues.
More than six million Christians reside in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, with many others in the surrounding northeastern states, including Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.