X’mas: A fusion of tradition, togetherness & reverence
As the winter chill descends upon Delhi, the city lights up with an array of colorful stars, shimmering Christmas trees and sparkling decorations. The spirit of Christmas envelops the national capital, with churches and Christian communities leading the way in vibrant celebrations. For many, especially those far from their native places, Christmas becomes more than just a religious observance – it’s a time of togetherness, shared joy, and the comfort of cherished traditions.
On Christmas Eve, streets of Delhi echo with the harmonious sounds of Christmas carols as Christian communities from across the country, including those from Northeast India and Kerala, come together to celebrate this special time of year. For these communities, often living away from home for work or study, the festival provides a moment of connection, both with their faith and with one another.
Rebecca, a resident of Delhi from the Hmar community in Northeast India, recalls how Christmas brings her people together.
“We have a tradition called ‘Lengkhawm,’ where the community gathers to dance to the rhythm of the traditional drum, the ‘Khuang,’ and sing Christmas carols,” she shares with a warm smile. “It’s a celebration that fills the heart with joy, even though we’re far from home,” she said.
Her husband, Siam Phaipi, an advocate from the Paite community, echoes the sentiment, noting that while many from the Northeast may not visit church regularly, Christmas is an exception. “On this special day, everyone makes it a point to go to church,” he says.
Christmas Eve also brings a tradition that binds families and friends together – the carol rounds. “A group from the church visits different homes to sing carols and share the joy of Christmas,” Siam explains.
“After the midnight service, we gather around a bonfire, warm ourselves with the spirit of togetherness and continue singing carols,” said Siam.
For Ngaoni from Manipur, the Christmas celebrations in Delhi are marked by a sense of community that transcends individual churches.
“There’s an event called ‘Advanced Christmas,’ where many churches come together for activities like gift exchanges and Bible skits,” he says.
“We also have an inter-church visit where we move from one church to another, strengthening the bonds within our community. It’s beautiful to see everyone, regardless of their background, united in celebration,” he adds.
Ngaoni often visits Hmar Christian Fellowship Church and Apostles Methodist Church in RK Puram during this time, places that have become familiar homes away from home.
While Northeastern communities embrace their own unique traditions, Christians from Kerala also add their distinct flavor to the Christmas celebrations.
Elise Matthews, a member of the Syrian Malayali Christian community, speaks of the significance of visiting homes to sing carols. “One of the most important traditions is the carol round where church members go door to door, spreading the news of Jesus’ birth, just like the biblical shepherds,” she explains.
Elise shares another cherished tradition close to her heart – Christmas carol choir at the Cathedral Church of Redemption, also known as Viceroy Church, east of the Parliament House. “The choir practices for months in advance,” she says.
“Auditions take place three to six months before Christmas and the carols are rehearsed tirelessly. It’s a labor of love and the music fills the air with a sense of reverence,” she adds.
The celebration is not just about rituals but also about food and family. Elise’s community gathers for an early morning service on Christmas, followed by a traditional breakfast of Appams and Attirachi Stew.
“The food brings us together and the warmth of our traditions makes Christmas special,” she shares.
One tradition that stands out in Elise’s family is their unique method of baking Christmas cakes. “We have a special recipe for our cakes, and we caramelise sugar to give it a unique flavor,” she says.
“Some families even preserve their dry fruits in rum for months or even a year to make Christmas rum cakes. It’s a practice influenced by Jewish traditions in Kerala,” said Elise.
Nancy, another Kerala Christian living in Delhi, said: “The Redemption Church is famous for its carol programmes and midnight service”.
“Families also decorate their homes with stars, a tradition that symbolises the star that guided the three kings to the birthplace of Jesus,” said Nancy.
As Christmas Eve gives way to Christmas Day, Delhi becomes a living tapestry of traditions, cultures and deep faith. Whether gathered around a bonfire, singing carols, or baking cakes, the Christian communities in Delhi come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the universal message of love, hope, and joy.
For these families, Christmas is more than just a festival. It is a time to reaffirm bonds, honour their faith and embrace the warmth of togetherness – even in a city as vast and diverse as Delhi.
