Christmas In India

Unity in Diversity of sorts
The population is overwhelmingly Hindu and Muslim, therefore there is no official celebration of Christmas. Since there are many communities that celebrate Christmas, this being a diversified state, its interesting to see how a wide variety of people come together to join in the festivities. And yet 25th December is the one day that is largely celebrated by Indians and everyone across the world, as Christmas Day! The Christians in India, are also divided into various sects, and depending on where they reside, there is an interesting mix of function and goodies that tag along with the Christmas Season. The Christians in India observe Christmas as a religious holiday when families will go to church and then gather for a Christmas dinner. Christmas decorations are found inside the home, but there are no lights decorating the yards.

There seems to be a large congregation of people, dressed impeccably, leaving the Church after the mid-night mass. The interesting thing is that they maintain their sense of style even in the wee hours of the morning. Like any other Christian community, they all have the mutual sharing of Gifts and love. What follows is an interesting gathering of people, who visit their relatives and what even intriguing if you'd ever visit the streets in Goa, an essentially Christian dominated place in India, is the sheer mix of colors that's splashed into the air. There are cookies of all kinds and mouth watering cakes, mostly plum and lots of wine.

Christmas, the name of merry making
Drinking and merry making being the foundation of this day, its also noted that despite the strain of various communities and their beliefs, like any other Christian, they get together on this day, making it the most memorable one, especially one that falls in just about less than a week's time from the New Year's day! The British influence from the days before India gained independence has resulted in gift-giving during the Christmas season and dispensing baksheesh (charitable handouts) to poor people of the country. Perhaps this still follows though not at such a strong manner, there are people who like to spend their hard earned money at buying gifts for their loved ones and neighbors keeping aside all amlice of all sort on this day. They believe that this is the dawn of a brand new day and what better than to start the day afresh.

Most of the sweet preparations are either made of coconut, with an assortment of wholesome cookies, cakes and lots of interesting items that can only be tasted for understanding its real flavor. A sweetmeat called Gauva Cheese is also a specialty of Goans, who just cannot let Christmas go past without preparing these, something like the mandatory Turkey for thanks-giving day. Most of the items are sweet, with the idea of spreading joy and sweetness that lasts throughout the day and the year to come. Wine, also reminds them of the Last Supper, meshing religion with the celebration. What I love most about it is Santa!

The most jolly and huge person amongst the people around is told to dress up like Santa, and although there might not be stockings all the time to be filled, there is definitely a feeling of seeing an grand old jolly man distributing gifts to all. The poor, irrespective of their strength put in all their energies together, to make this the most memorable day of their life and live it up to the most with their best clothes! Truly a feeling of joy that needs to be experienced during this time of Giving! Merry Christmas!