Christian population might be just under 3 % in India but Christmas holiday is a state holiday in India. India is a secular country and home to some of the biggest religions of world, be it Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism which were originated in India or be it Christianity and Islam.

Christmas is celebrated not just in South India (Kerala or Tamil Nadu) or Western India (Goa) where we have large Christian population but also in the Northern and Eastern India with fewer Christian population. It could be just because we have so many religions with each having many festivals of their own and we love to celebrate any social gathering irrespective of religion (धर्म). You might witness Hindus, Muslims or other religious communities members celebrating this fest with the Christian (ईसाई). For many of them, it’s a exotic festival (त्यौहार) from a religion, whose much of the traditions are unknown to many. But, people from the other religion have curiosity (उत्सुकता) and passion (उत्साह) to explore the traditions and social life of Christians during Christmas, their biggest festival. Somehow, this curiosity and passion also shows their flexibility and adaptability towards other religions. This may define their social perception (धारणा) which  maybe the reason of the strong unity and tolerance in the co-existing diverse socio – religious culture of Indian society (समाज).

During Christmas season in India, the churches could be seen with poinsettias and candle decorations for the Christmas Eve services. People get their home new white wash and decorate them with colorful light (प्रकाश). In South India, one can see the clay oil lamps on the rooftop and walls of home just like Hindus decorate their rooftop and walls on the occasion of Diwali.

Group of youngsters and children (बच्चे) could be seen, visiting one house to another, singing Christmas carols and playing guitar in almost all major cities. They come to the door, asking people, if they can sing the Christmas carols to them. After their performance, people usually give them money or sweets. There is also an exchange of sweets and gifts among neighbors during Christmas festival.