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Festivals are
something like an almost everyday affair in India.
If one were to
follow the Indian calendar then everyday should be a holiday.
This is because though essentially being a Hindu nation, it is
home to four other major religions – Islam, Christianity,
Jainism and Buddhism – apart from the others.
One such non-Hindu festival that is eagerly celebrated by almost
everyone is Christmas.
People of various
castes gather together with their Christian friends and
neighbors to be a part of the celebration. |
In fact, youngsters eagerly await the
Christmas Eve parties, followed by the grand celebration of New Year’s
Eve. New clothes, fancy accessories, gifts and smiles are all part of
it. But in this revelry no one forgets to visit the Church. And yes,
there are the homely get togethers too where a festive meal is put
together.
Christmas in India is colorful festival. The markets are brightly lit up
and people are seen shopping for new clothes and gifts. Also, families
remove all the unwanted objects that they could give away to charity
homes as gifts. Children give away their toys and books that are in a
useable condition. Old wearable clothes are donated. Certain housing
societies come together and give sacks of wheat, food grains and other
necessities to the local Church so that the poor families could be given
these as gifts.
One of the main aspects of Christmas celebration anywhere in the world
is the Christmas tree, which is decorated with various objects. The
Christmas trees in India, too are decorated with lights and other
glimmering objects such as starts, balls, bells and cotton. Right on top
of the tree is either the angel or the large star and at the bottom are
the gifts for all those attending the party. There are some families
that bring home the natural pine tree, while most get the artificial
ones.
The Christmas food in India is a blend of continental and Indian dishes
with the traditional Christmas cakes and lots of other sweets. The
entire family sits together at the dining table, say their special
Christmas prayers and then enjoy the lavish meal put together. This is
actually what marks a true Christmas celebration at home, anywhere in
the world.
Christmas celebrations in India are no different from those anywhere
else in world. The same tears of joy and hugs of togetherness, the same
excitement over gifts and feelings of nostalgia… The emotions and
feelings are common only a slight difference in the experience of it
all. The Christmas carols maybe sung in different languages, and the
Priests discourse of the Bible in varied mother tongues… But there is a
common thread that binds everyone during Christmas and that is the
celebration.
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