Yuletide is approaching, and everyone is preparing for some Christmas cheer, stockings and stollen, and glasses of mulled wine. Celebrations are being planned across the world, from Europe's Christmas markets to Santa's village in Lapland. But you're missing out if you haven't experienced Christmas celebrations in India. People cut across faiths to celebrate the yuletide cheer baking up a storm of Christmas goodies and mulled wine, lighting up homes, and attending midnight mass. Here are five places in the country where you should experience the spirit Christmas.
Christmas is perhaps the most celebrated celebration in Kolkata after Durga Puja. And, like Durga Puja, it is a celebration in which everyone participates. Christmas feasts and charity sales are held on the grounds of the Embassy. Insiders stock up on homemade wine, cakes, and roast turkeys. It's a custom to stand in queue for hours outside prominent bakeries to pick up cakes. Park Street, Kolkata's main thoroughfare, is decked out with trees and lights. Dances are held in clubs. Churches offer midnight services. Nothing beats the joyful atmosphere in Kolkata during the Christmas season.
There is so much to do in Goa during Christmas that you won't know where to start. Visit one of many bakeries in Goa and samples yuletide delights. Goa's 500-year-old baking tradition is reflected in its old bakeries which seamlessly weave the best of local and European flavours. If you want to experience Christmas the authentic way, visit the many churches and chapels that dot the state. The midnight service at the Basilica of Bom Jesus or the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception should undoubtedly be on your list of Christmas Eve activities.
Though the celebrations in the Maximum City are not of the same magnitude as those in Kolkata, there are some neighbourhoods that host outstanding Christmas festivities. Bandra West is one among them. There are several churches in Bndra that have masses and Christmas carnivals. Take a walk down the road from Mount Mary's Basilica which is dotted with stalls selling Christmas goodies. The neighbourhood has roadside hawkers selling Christmas trees, Santa Claus hats and suits, decorations for your tree, sweets and other treats, and bakeries churning out fruit cakes. Hundreds of handmade lamps known as kandils are hung frp, balconies and windows, and look magical after sunset. Most major markets, notably Crawford Market in Colaba, fill up with shops selling Santa hats, trees, and a plethora of sparkling decorations.
This historic French colony tucked along the Tamil Nadu coast is the spot to go for low-key and charming celebrations. Walk around some of the older places, such as The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels), and The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, to observe the illuminations. The lavishly crafted Nativity scenes reflect the history of artistic creativity in France. On Christmas Eve, both locals and visitors are seen making their way to churches for Midnight Mass. Expect the beachfront boulevard to be crowded throughout the Christmas season.
The lovely hill station of Shillong in Meghalaya comes alive around Christmas. The lights are turned on days in advance, bakeries promote their Christmas specials months in advance, and churches are decked out in fairy lights of every colour. To admire the lights and have some wonderful pastries from the old bakeries, visit major shopping districts such as Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah Street. Enjoy live gigs at prominent cafés such as Dylan's Cafe, Swish Cafe, and Cafe Shillong before heading to the Cathedral of Mary or Laitumkhrah Presbyterian for the midnight mass.