Indian is a land of festivals, one such festival that stands out is the celebration of Christmas by the Christian community all over India. Though, Christianity is a minor community in India, when state wise figures are considered w.r.t Christian population, Southern, Konkan and north-eastern states lead.
Kerala, the southernmost state, houses the maximum number of Christians in India. They are mainly concentrated in southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Konkan states of Goa and Northeastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya. This is a fast evolving community with acquiring almost 60% of India’s total Christian population.
The advent of Christianity started with the arrival of apostle St. Thomas in Kodungallur, Kerala. Therein, He went on to establish 7 churches. But, when it comes to answering the typical question of the state having utmost Christian population, Goa is the name that comes to our minds. Portuguese colonized the India state of Goa in Christianity. Thereafter, the Goan Christians adapted to the merrymaking culture of dancing and singing forms having traces of Portuguese traditions.
About the Christmas festival
December 25th, the Christmas day, is celebrated vividly in India. Like all other festivals, Christmas too follows a string of tradition and culture from ages. This festival is renowned in honor of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus’s birth masks an important occurrence in the Christian mythology. On this day, special feast and gatherings are organized by and for family-friends. The whole day is spent merrily by preparing special plum cakes, decorating Christmas trees, decorating homes, exchanging of gifts, putting up an electric star in front of their homes and sometimes, burning small lamps also.
Christians on this day visit the church masses. Beautiful Christmas carols can be heard where Christians are dominant, even unique parades are organized in such places which are enjoyed thoroughly by people of all sects. Christmas celebrations in India have undergone a tremendous change as it is observed by all irrespective of their religion. In north and northwest India, Christmas is also known as “Bada Din”.
This festival also marks the beginning of countdown for the coming New Year. Thus, the month of December ends with great festivities, cheerfulness and merriment.
Kerala, the southernmost state, houses the maximum number of Christians in India. They are mainly concentrated in southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Konkan states of Goa and Northeastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya. This is a fast evolving community with acquiring almost 60% of India’s total Christian population.
The advent of Christianity started with the arrival of apostle St. Thomas in Kodungallur, Kerala. Therein, He went on to establish 7 churches. But, when it comes to answering the typical question of the state having utmost Christian population, Goa is the name that comes to our minds. Portuguese colonized the India state of Goa in Christianity. Thereafter, the Goan Christians adapted to the merrymaking culture of dancing and singing forms having traces of Portuguese traditions.
 |
| Christmas festival |
December 25th, the Christmas day, is celebrated vividly in India. Like all other festivals, Christmas too follows a string of tradition and culture from ages. This festival is renowned in honor of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus’s birth masks an important occurrence in the Christian mythology. On this day, special feast and gatherings are organized by and for family-friends. The whole day is spent merrily by preparing special plum cakes, decorating Christmas trees, decorating homes, exchanging of gifts, putting up an electric star in front of their homes and sometimes, burning small lamps also.
Christians on this day visit the church masses. Beautiful Christmas carols can be heard where Christians are dominant, even unique parades are organized in such places which are enjoyed thoroughly by people of all sects. Christmas celebrations in India have undergone a tremendous change as it is observed by all irrespective of their religion. In north and northwest India, Christmas is also known as “Bada Din”.
This festival also marks the beginning of countdown for the coming New Year. Thus, the month of December ends with great festivities, cheerfulness and merriment.
Merry Christmas to all....
ReplyDelete