Christmas
152 days until Christmas
About Christmas
Christmas is a nationwide public holiday in India celebrated on 25 December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Known regionally as Bada Din in North India, the festival brings together communities of all faiths with illuminated star lanterns, midnight mass, and rich fruit cakes.
History
The Christian faith in India traces its origins back to 52 AD with the arrival of Saint Thomas the Apostle on the Malabar Coast of Kerala. Centuries later, European influences—including Portuguese presence in Goa and British rule across major trading hubs like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai—further shaped Christmas celebrations and introduced Western holiday customs across the subcontinent.
Over time, these global traditions merged seamlessly with local customs. One notable example is the evolution of the Indian Christmas plum cake, which originated in 1883 when baker Mambally Bapu created a local variation of a British plum pudding in Thalassery, Kerala, using local spices and cashew liquor.
Traditions & Celebrations
Christmas preparations in India begin early in December with fruit-mixing rituals for plum cakes and the crafting of sweet platters known as kuswar in Goa and Mangalore, featuring treats like kulkuls and rose cookies. Homes and streets are adorned with colorful paper star lanterns, fairy lights, and nativity cribs depicting the birth of Christ. On Christmas Eve, families attend Midnight Mass at local churches decorated with poinsettias and candles. Festivities continue on Christmas Day with family feasts featuring biryani, regional meat curries, and appam, alongside gift exchanges and visits to neighbours.
Did you know?
- India's first commercial Christmas cake was baked in 1883 by Mambally Bapu in Thalassery, Kerala, adapting a British recipe with local ingredients.
- Across North India, Christmas is widely referred to as Bada Din, which translates literally from Hindi as 'the Big Day'.
- In many parts of South India, families place burning clay oil lamps on their rooftops and boundary walls, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world.
- Hanging large paper star lanterns outside balconies and doorways is a signature Christmas visual across Indian towns and cities.
Christmas dates by year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in India?
Yes, Christmas on 25 December is a national gazetted holiday across all states and union territories in India.
Why is Christmas called Bada Din in India?
The phrase Bada Din translates to 'the Big Day' in Hindi. It became popular in North India during the 19th century to denote the grand scale and festive importance of the holiday.