Christmas is the most loved festival in India.  Other religious people in India also celebrate the festival.  Like other countries, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th as well.  Many Indian Americans in the United States celebrate the holiday differently than they would in India.

Many different languages are spoken in India since it is a multicultural nation.  In Hindi, Merry Christmas is ‘Bade Din ki Mubarak’.  In Gujarati, Merry Christmas is ‘Anandi Natal’ or ‘Kushi Natal’.

During Christmas, people light small clay oil lamps, representing Jesus as the world’s light.  The churches and homes are decorated with beautiful lights and flowers during Christmas.  Streets are decorated and lit up with bright lights.  Sometimes people use mango leaves to decorate their homes.  Instead of traditional pine trees, some people will decorate banana or mango trees.

Mainly, Christmas celebrations begin with a midnight mass before the 25th.  This was followed by a massive feast.  On the day of Christmas, people sing Christmas carols and tell Christmas stories.  Wear new clothes, eat a festive meal, and spend time with families and friends.  Lots of local sweets are eaten during Christmas, including Gujiya.  Desserts also include rose cookies to deeply delicious multi-layered Christmas fruitcakes.  Santa Claus gives children gifts from a horse and cart in India.

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and food, regardless of where you live.  During this festive season, wishing everyone love, happiness, and peace.